It is a no rigid wall surrounding plant cells, the wall laid down during cell division in plants is the primary cell wall
It consist of cellulose, micro fibrils running through a matrix of other complex polysaccharides such as hemi celluloses pectin etc
The primary cell wall is later thickened in some cells to become secondary walls
The cell wall is interrupted at intervals by narrow pores of pits carrying fine strands of cytoplasm called plasmdesmata which facilitates movement of substances within cells (symplast path way)
The middle lamella is composed of sticky gel-like magnesium and calcium salt of pectin called pectate
Function of cell wall
Provides mechanical strienght and skeletal supports for individual cells
They allow for development of turgidity, preventing the cells from bursting when water enters the cell by osmosis
The limit and help control growth and shapes
It is the path way for movement of water and mineral salts
Some cell walls are modified as fact reserves e.g. storage of hemi cellulose in some cells
Waxy cutin on the surface of the cell wall reduces water loss and the risk of infection by plants
Lignifications of cell wall of xylem vesicles and tracheids allow for long distance transportation of materials through the cell
Cell walls of roots endodermal cell are impregetted with suberin which forms a barrier
Cells walls of transfer or transporting cells e.g. root hairs developed and increased surface area and these intend increases the surface area of the cell membrane resulting to increase efficiency of transfer by active transport.
