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

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