What is a Cell Wall?
A cell wall is defined as the non-living component, covering the outmost layer of a cell. Its composition varies according to the organism and is permeable in nature. The cell wall separates the interior contents of the cell from the exterior environment. It also provides shape, support, and protection to the cell and its organelles. However, this cellular component is present exclusively in eukaryotic plants, fungi, and few prokaryotic organisms.
Pictured: A cross-section of a plant cell with the cell wall highlighted
As stated above, fungi also possess cell walls, but they are made up of chitin, a derivative of glucose which is also found in the exoskeletons of arthropods. And just like the cell walls in plants, they provide structural support and prevents desiccation.
Prokaryotic organisms such as bacteria also contain cell walls. However, they are chemically different from the cell wall found in plants and fungi. The prokaryotic cell walls are composed of large polymers known as peptidoglycans. Cell walls in prokaryotes serve as a form of protection and prevent lysis (bursting of the cell and expulsion of cellular contents). Structurally, prokaryotic cell walls consist of two layers:
Eukaryotic cells possess a definite nucleus along with a distinct nuclear membrane. It also contains membrane-bound organelles not found in prokaryotic cells. Another important point to note is that the cell wall is absent in other eukaryotic organisms such as animals, only plants possess cell walls.