What's the difference between the cell wall and cell membrane?

The cell membrane is a semi-permeable structure that surrounds a cell and it is present in plant, animal and bacteria cells. It is semi-permeable because some substances such as glucose and water can pass through it, whilst other substances cannot. Think of the cell membrane like a gatekeeper controlling the movement of substances into and out of the cell. The cell wall is structure found in plant and bacteria cells, but not animal cells. In both plant and bacteria cells, the cell wall is the outermost structure of the cell, surrounding the cell, including the cell membrane and in plants, not bacteria, it is made of cellulose. The purpose of the cell wall is to provide the cell with structure, support and protection. For plants by supporting the cell, the cell wall supports the entire plant, helping the plant to stay rigid and upright. Plants do not have skeletons, so they need this support! Cell walls also protect and support and provide structure for bacteria cells. Think of a plant or bacteria cell like an inflated balloon and the cell wall is the cardboard box that protects and supports this balloon. 

Answered by Arabella K. Biology tutor

8401 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

By which two processes does glucose enter cells in the human body?


What is an enzyme and explain the effect of two environmental factors on their efficiency?


Name the 3 structures within a plant cell that are absent from an animal cell and describe the function of these 3 structures. (6 marks)


What sort of inhibitor in an enzyme catalysed reaction is NOT affected by substrate concentration?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy