Cell Wall and Cell Membrane (Plasma Membrane)

The Cell Wall and Cell Membrane are essential for the survival and proper functioning of the cell. They work together to protect the cell from external threats and to regulate the movement of molecules in and out of the cell.

The Cell Wall is a rigid, Semi-Permeable barrier that surrounds the cell membrane and provides structural support for the cell. It is made of a complex polymer called cellulose and is found in most plant cells, as well as in some bacteria and fungi. The cell wall acts as a barrier to protect the cell from the outside environment and to maintain the shape of the cell.

The Cell Membrane (Plasma Membrane) is a thin, flexible barrier that surrounds the cell and separates the inside of the cell from the outside environment. Cell Membrane is made of a lipid bilayer and is found in all living cells. The cell membrane acts as a selectively permeable barrier, allowing certain molecules to pass through while preventing others from entering or leaving the cell. It also plays a role in cell communication, cell signaling, and cell recognition.

11 Important Difference between Cell Wall and Cell Membrane

	CELL WALL	CELL MEMBRANE (Plasma Membrane)
1	Cell wall is present only in plants and in some fungi, bacteria, and algae.	It is present in all types of cells, in humans, animals, plants, bacteria, etc.
2	It’s thickness is around  0.1 micrometers to several micrometers.	It is  8-11 nanometers in thickness.
3	Cell wall is the outermost covering of plant cells.	Cell membrane is the outermost covering of animal cells.
4	Cell wall is composed of chitin, sugars, glycoprotein, etc.	Cell membrane is composed of lipids and carbohydrates.
5	Cell wall is a thick and rigid structure with a fixed shape.	Cell membrane is a thin and soft structure. It is flexible to change the shape as needed.
6	The thickness of the cell wall is not definite and would be increased time by time.	The thickness of the cell membrane is  definite and is not subjected to changes.
7	The cell wall is fully permeable.	The cell membrane is selectively permeable.
8	The cell wall is metabolically inactive.	The cell membrane is metabolically active.
9	Cell wall protects the cell from the external environment.	Cell membrane protects and maintains the internal environment of the cell.
10	Cell wall lacks cell surface receptors.	Cell membranes have cell surface receptors.
11	The function of the cell wall is to provide shape, protection to the cell.	The function of cell membrane is to assist in  division of cells, sexual reproduction, motility, etc.,

Also Check – Types of Transport Across Cell Membrane

Also Check – Plasma membrane is made up of which two Components?

Also Check – 12 Important Cell Wall Function

Also Check – What is Cell wall made up of ?

Also Check – What would happen if the Plasma Membrane Ruptures or Breakdown?

Also Check – Plasma Membrane – Location, Structure Functions

Also Check – 6 Important Functions of Plasma Membrane- Class 9