Cell Wall Speech

One may think that I, a cell wall, am useless to a plant cell. When in reality, I’m one of the most important distinguishing features of plant cells. I’m rigid and I give plant cells a very defining shape.

While most cells have an outer membrane, none are comparable to my strength. I am composed of cellulose fiber, polysaccharides and proteins.

I also prevent enlargement of the plant cell and I play an important role in absorption, transport and secretion of substances in plants.

I am the main difference in plant and animal cells. Many animal cells have skeletons to give them body structure and support, however, plant cells don’t have that, and yet they don’t just flop over in a big mess. This is because of me. Together with the vacuole, I provide the “skeletal support”. I also help support individual parts of plants.

In addition to all of that, I provide shape to the different cell types needed to form the tissues and organs of a plant. As I earlier mentioned, I play an important role in intercellular communication. Because of my location, I am important in plant-microbe interactions, which are defense responses against pathogens(germs). In other words, I provide protection from physical injury.

Summarizing what I said, I am needed for protection, support, and for giving a plant cell a defining shape. I’m very important to a plant cell and am used for various functions.