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Understanding Plant Cell Walls

The cell wall is a key extracellular structure in plant cells, composed mainly of polysaccharide cellulose, which varies among species and cell types. It provides mechanical support, regulates growth and diffusion, facilitates communication, and offers protection against pathogens. Additionally, the cell wall plays a role in storing carbohydrates for plant growth.

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57 views8 pages

Understanding Plant Cell Walls

The cell wall is a key extracellular structure in plant cells, composed mainly of polysaccharide cellulose, which varies among species and cell types. It provides mechanical support, regulates growth and diffusion, facilitates communication, and offers protection against pathogens. Additionally, the cell wall plays a role in storing carbohydrates for plant growth.

Uploaded by

victor sodza
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Introduction to cells

Cell wall
P. Mata
DCE
Cell Wall
• The cell wall is an extracellular structure of plant cells that
distinguishes them from animal cells.
Chemical composition of the cell wall
• Though the chemical composition of the cell varies from
species to species and between different cell types in the
same plant, the basic design is the same.
• The fibres of polysaccharide cellulose are fixed in a matrix
of other polysaccharides or small amount of protein.
Cell wall: Structure
Cell wall: Structure
• A young plant cell secrete a thin and
flexible wall first. This is called a primary
cell wall.
• A thin layer rich in polysaccharide pectin
called middle lamella (glues adjacent cell
together) is found between adjacent cells
• When the cell matures and stops growing
it strengthens its wall. Some plant cells do
this simply by secreting hardening
substances into the primary wall. Other
cells add a secondary wall between
primary wall and plasma membrane.
• Fung cell walls are made of a modified
carbohydrates called Chitin.
• Bacteria cell wall are made up of
Peptidoglycan (PG).
Primary and Secondary cell wall
Functions of the cell wall
• Support: The cell wall provides mechanical strength and
support. It also controls the direction of cell growth.
• Withstand turgor pressure: Turgor pressure is the force
exerted against the cell wall as the contents of the cell push
the plasma membrane against the cell wall. This pressure
helps a plant to remain rigid and erect, but can also cause a
cell to rupture.
• Regulate growth: The cell wall sends signals for the cell to
enter the cell cycle in order to divide and grow.
Functions of the cell wall
• Regulate diffusion: The cell wall is porous allowing some
substances, including proteins, to pass into the cell while keeping
other substances out.
• Communication: Cells communicate with one another via
plasmodesmata (pores or channels between plant cell walls that
allow molecules and communication signals to pass between
individual plant cells).
• Protection: The cell wall provides a barrier to protect against
plant viruses and other pathogens. It also helps to prevent water
loss.
• Storage: The cell wall stores carbohydrates for use in plant
growth, especially in seeds.

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