Cell Wall
Structure:
The cell wall has three layers: Middle Lamella, the Primary Wall, and the Secondary Wall.
- Middle Lamella: This is the first layer formed during cell division. It makes up the outer wall of the cell and is shared by adjacent cells. It is composed of Pectic compounds and proteins.
- Primary Cell Wall: Formed after middle lamella and consists of a rigid skeleton of cellulose microfibrils embedded in a gel like matrix composed of Pectic compounds, hemicellulose, and glycoproteins.
- Secondary Wall: Formed after cell enlargement is complete. This is very rigid and provides compression strength. It is made up of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. It is often layered.
Function:
Provides tensile strength and limited plasticity. This prevents the cell from rupturing due to turgor pressure. The turgor pressure aids in giving support for non woody structures. Thickly walled cells provide mechanical support. The walls also prevent water loss and protects the organism from insects and pathogens. Physiological and biochemical activity in the cell wall contribute to inter-cellular communications.
The cell wall has three layers: Middle Lamella, the Primary Wall, and the Secondary Wall.
- Middle Lamella: This is the first layer formed during cell division. It makes up the outer wall of the cell and is shared by adjacent cells. It is composed of Pectic compounds and proteins.
- Primary Cell Wall: Formed after middle lamella and consists of a rigid skeleton of cellulose microfibrils embedded in a gel like matrix composed of Pectic compounds, hemicellulose, and glycoproteins.
- Secondary Wall: Formed after cell enlargement is complete. This is very rigid and provides compression strength. It is made up of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. It is often layered.
Function:
Provides tensile strength and limited plasticity. This prevents the cell from rupturing due to turgor pressure. The turgor pressure aids in giving support for non woody structures. Thickly walled cells provide mechanical support. The walls also prevent water loss and protects the organism from insects and pathogens. Physiological and biochemical activity in the cell wall contribute to inter-cellular communications.
In relation to other organelles:
The cell wall is useful in the fact that it is able to protect the inside of the cell. It acts as a gate way, allowing (or not in some cases) various things to various organelles within the cell.
Extra:
In theory, the cells of plants should have thicker cell walls to prevent water and mineral loss. If the cell wall does not work right, the cell will not be able to withstand the turgor pressure or be able to support itself. As mentioned for the vacuoles, the cell wall has evolved to have the ability to cope with the dangers of present day, such as acid rain and other pollutants.