Write four differences between plasma membrane and cell wall.
Definitions:
Plasma membrane or Cell membrane: The cytoplasm of the cells is covered by a membrane called the plasma membrane. It separates the interior of the cell from the outside environment.
Cell wall: The cell wall acts as the covering around the cell membrane protecting the protoplasm. It is a non-living component present only in the plant cell.
Differences between plasma membrane and cell wall:
Plasma membrane | Cell wall |
1. Allows easy movement to specific components as it is semipermeable. | 1. Does not allow any movement as it is a rigid structure and completely permeable to most molecules. |
2. It is present in both plant and animal cells. | 2. It is present in the plant and fungal cells. |
3. It is made up of lipoprotein and phospholipids. | 3. Cell walls are made out of cellulose and pectin. |
4. It protects the cytoplasm along with organelles present in the cytoplasm. | 4. The cell wall protects the entire protoplasm of the cell. |
5. Allows the animal cells to change their structures into different forms. | 5. Plant cells mainly stay rigid due to such cell wall structures. |