Cell Wall
The cell wall is a rigid, structural layer surrounding the cell membrane of plant cells, fungi, and some bacteria. It provides support and protection for the cell, helping to maintain its shape and prevent it from bursting or collapsing.
Structure
The cell wall is primarily composed of cellulose in plant cells, chitin in fungi, and peptidoglycan in bacteria. These materials form a strong, mesh-like network that gives the cell wall its strength and rigidity.
Functions
- Support: The cell wall provides structural support for the cell, helping it maintain its shape and withstand external pressures.
- Protection: It protects the cell from physical damage and pathogens, acting as a barrier against harmful substances.
- Regulation: The cell wall helps regulate the movement of water, nutrients, and other molecules in and out of the cell.
Study Guide
Here are some key points to remember about the cell wall:
- Composition: The cell wall is made up of cellulose, chitin, or peptidoglycan, depending on the type of organism.
- Function: It provides support, protection, and regulation for the cell.
- Location: The cell wall is located outside the cell membrane in plant cells, fungi, and some bacteria.
- Comparison: Compare and contrast the cell wall with the cell membrane, noting their differences in structure and function.
- Importance: Explain the importance of the cell wall in maintaining the integrity of plant cells and providing support for the entire plant structure.
Understanding the cell wall is essential for comprehending the unique characteristics and functions of plant cells, fungi, and bacteria. It also provides insight into the diverse adaptations and survival strategies of different organisms.
[Cell Wall] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:
.◂Science Worksheets and Study Guides Second Grade. What is science?
Study Guide
What is science? 
Worksheet/Answer key
What is science? Worksheet/Answer key
What is science? Worksheet/Answer key
What is science? Vocabulary/Answer key
What is science?
Worksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyThe resources above cover the following skills:
LIFE SCIENCE
Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
Obtain information from literature and other media to illustrate that there are many different kinds of living things and that they exist in different places on land and in water (e.g., woodland, tundra, desert, rainforest, ocean, river).
EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE
Earth’s Systems
Make observations from media to obtain information about Earth’s events that happen over a short period of time (e.g., tornados, volcanic explosions, earthquakes) or over a time period longer than one can observe (e.g., erosion of rocks, melting of glaciers).
Collect and evaluate data to identify water found on Earth and determine whether it is a solid or a liquid (e.g., glaciers as solid forms of water; oceans, lakes, rivers, streams as liquid forms of water).