The cell wall supports and protects the cell, determines the shape of the cell, assists cells in communication, stores carbohydrates, and allows water and smaller particles to enter the selectively permeable structure of the cell.
The cell wall gives cells shape, enables plant growth, prevents bursting from water pressure, keeps out water and pathogens, stores carbohydrates and sends signals to cells. The flexible cell wall surrounds plant cell membranes.
Plant cell walls perform many functions. Their main task is to support proper plant growth. This is accomplished by the cell wall creating a skeleton-like frame that enables plants to grow vertically and develop a rigid stem. Cell walls vary considerably in thickness and organization, which accounts for the wide range of plant shapes and sizes on the planet. They consist of two layers ‰ÛÓ a primary cell wall, which supports the cell as it matures, and a rigid secondary cell wall that appears after the primary wall stops growing. The primary cell wall is thinner and more flexible than the secondary wall. Internally, the primary and secondary walls have a similar physical composition. Over the course of a plant's life, they perform complementary functions to keep the plant healthy and vibrant.
<span>This is the phosphorus and carbon cycle. By breaking down dead carbon-containing objects and returning them to the soil, these bacteria are able to allow the nutrients to be re-used by future generations of plants and animals, continuing the cycle.</span>
