Plant Cell Wall

The plant cell wall plays an important role in the structure, growth and development of a plant. It is a rigid and semi-permeable layer that surrounds the plant cell and provides mechanical protection, support and shape to the cell. It is composed of mainly cellulose, hemicellulose, pectins and proteins. Cellulose is a polysaccharide made up of glucose molecules that form strong and insoluble fibers. Hemicellulose consists of a mixture of different polysaccharides and proteins, providing a matrix for cellulose fibers. Pectins are polysaccharides that help in adhering cell walls to each other and to other proteins. Proteins, such as xyloglucan, form a network between the cellulose and hemicellulose, which helps stabilize the cell wall structure. The plant cell wall also contains lignin, which is a compound that binds the cell wall together and provides strength and rigidity. The plant cell wall is also important for the exchange of materials between cells. It contains pores, which allow certain molecules to enter or exit the cell. The cell wall also plays a role in the response of plants to their environment.