Cell wall
Cell Wall
The Cell Wall (pronunciation: /sɛl wɔːl/) is a structural layer surrounding some types of cells, situated outside the Cell Membrane. It can be tough, flexible, and sometimes rigid. It provides the cell with both structural support and protection, and also acts as a filtering mechanism.
Etymology
The term "Cell Wall" is derived from the Latin word 'cella' meaning a small room and the Old English 'weall' meaning a barrier or enclosure.
Structure
A cell wall is a complex, highly organized structure that defines the shape of plant cells, bacteria, fungi, and some protists. It is composed of several layers, including the primary cell wall, the secondary cell wall, and sometimes a middle lamella. The composition of these layers varies between species, but can include materials such as cellulose, chitin, peptidoglycan, and others.
Function
The primary function of the cell wall is to provide support and protection for the cell. It acts as a pressure vessel, preventing over-expansion when water enters the cell. The cell wall is also involved in directing cell growth, controlling the direction of cell expansion and, in conjunction with the Plasma Membrane, controlling the rate of expansion.
Related Terms
- Cell Membrane: The semipermeable membrane surrounding the cytoplasm of a cell.
- Cellulose: An organic compound with the formula (C6H10O5)n, a polysaccharide consisting of a linear chain of several hundred to many thousands of β(1→4) linked D-glucose units.
- Chitin: A long-chain polymer of N-acetylglucosamine, a derivative of glucose, and is found in many places throughout the natural world.
- Peptidoglycan: A polymer consisting of sugars and amino acids that forms a mesh-like layer outside the plasma membrane of most bacteria, forming the cell wall.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cell wall
- Wikipedia's article - Cell wall
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