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

10839 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between breathing and respiration?


Cells in Plant Roots do not Photosynthesise. State one reason why.


What is osmosis?


Give some of the ways body temperature is maintained?


We're here to help

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