The Cell Wall

• Cell wall


  Structure that bounds plant, algae, and fungal cells
• Plant cell wall


  • Provides strength to the plant cell
  • Allows water molecules to enter and leave the plant cell
  • Made of the polysaccharide cellulose
  • Cellulose molecules form hydrogen bonds to create microfibrils
  • Microfibrils form a mesh-like structure that contributes to mechanical strength
• Hydrostatic pressure


  Outward pressure created when plant cells are filled with water
• Hydrostatic pressure is high


  Plant cell walls are rigid and support the whole plant
• Hydrostatic pressure is low


  Plant cell walls are not rigid, causing the plant to wilt
• Middle lamella


  Layer of material between plant cells that acts as a glue
• Algae cell wall


  • Contains cellulose and glycoproteins
• Fungal cell wall


  • Made of the polysaccharide chitin as well as other polysaccharides and glycoproteins
• Cell walls in algae and fungi give rigidity and contribute to cell shape