Cell Wall

• What does the cell wall consist of?

  Microfibrils of the polysaccharide cellulose, embedded in a matrix.
• What do cellulose microfibrils contribute to?


  The overall strength of the cell wall.
• What features do cell walls have?

  Many polysaccharides and a thin layer called a middle lamella.
• What does the middle lamella do?

  Marks the boundary between adjacent cell walls and cements adjacent cells together.
• What are the functions of the cellulose cell wall?

  To provide mechanical strength to the plant as a whole, and to allow water to pass along it to contribute to the movement of water through the plant.
• What does the mechanical strength of the cell wall prevent?

  The cell from bursting under the pressure created by the osmotic entry of water.
• What are the cell walls of algae made of?

  Either cellulose or glycoproteins, or a mix of both.
• What are the cell walls of fungi made of?

  A mixture of a nitrogen-containing polysaccharide called chitin, a polysaccharide called glycan and glycoproteins.