Difference b/w Plasma Membrane and Cell Wall

The plasma membrane and the cell wall are two integral parts of cells. The cell is the smallest structural and functional unit that living things have and they are microscopic, which means that they cannot be seen with the naked eye. Difference b/w Plasma Membrane and Cell Wall

F hey were discovered in 1665 by Robert Hooke, who decided to name them “cells” ( a word derived from the Latin cellulae , cells).

There are two types of cells, prokaryotes and eukaryotes . The former are self-sufficient and some examples of them are bacteria and archaea. On the other hand, the cells of all multicellular beings are eukaryotic cells. Both animals and plants have eukaryotic cells, although they have different structures; Among which two of great importance stand out: the plasma membrane and the cell wall.

PLASMA MEMBRANE Difference b/w Plasma Membrane and Cell Wall

The plasma membrane is essentially a barrier that separates the inside of cells from the outside environment. It is also known as the cell membrane. 

It is present in all kinds of cells, including plants and animals . The main function of this membrane is to regulate what enters and leaves the cell. Likewise, it gives shape and ensures that the parts of it do not come out.

The cell membrane consists of a thin layer of amphipathic phospholipids. It is made up of lipid bilayers, which are basically two layers of lipids; also known as fats . These phospholipids are arranged in such a way that they help regulate the entry and exit of water into the cell, which means that the membrane acts as a shield that regulates water intake.

Phospholipids also contain built-in proteins that allow certain elements, such as nutrients, to enter and leave the cell, depending on the cell’s needs.

Similarly, the cell membrane participates in cell conduction, communication, and signaling. In addition, it has an important role in phagocytosis (cell feeding) and pinocytosis (fluid intake). D es plays an active role in communicating with other cells to identify those that may soon die. It is also what allows cells to unite in groups, thus shaping tissues.

CELLULAR WALL

 Cellular wall, by contrast is not found in animal cells or protozoa. It is only present in plant cells, as well as bacteria, fungi, algae and some archaea. It is an integral part of these cells because it is, as its name suggests, a wall.

It is a hard layer that surrounds the entire cell and can be rigid or flexible depending on the type. The cell wall is outside the cell membrane. In plants, it is made up of cellulose; while in bacteria, fungi, algae and archaea, cell wall is composed of peptidoglycan, chitin, glycoproteins, polysaccharides or Pseudopeptidoglycan; Depending on the case.

The main purpose of a cell wall is to provide protection and shape to the cell. It makes it stiff and allows it to keep its shape even under pressure, and especially when there is a lack or excess of water in it.

Just like the cell membrane, the cell wall is also responsible for what goes in and out of the cell. It controls any transfer of substances between the interior and the exterior of it.

Cell walls have some holes called plasmodesmata. É Here are responsible for allowing nutrients to enter the cell, the waste leaves and ions to pass through it. 

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