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Article: Cell Wall
- Article from:
- Biology
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CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2002 The Gale Group Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Cell Wall
With very few exceptions, all cells are enveloped by an extracellular
matrix
composed of
proteins
,
carbohydrates
, and other substances. Owing to its exceptional strength and its ability to control cell shape, the extracellular matrix of eubacteria, algae, fungi, and plants is called the cell wall. The composition of cell walls varies widely among these kingdoms and the species within them, but the central functions are similar for most organisms.
Cell walls provide rigidity and protection. For multicellular organisms, the cell wall also binds different cells together. Plants use their cell wall as part of their system for maintaining their shape and stiffness. The plant ...