The plasma membrane and cell wall both are the parts of cell structure. Plasma membrane is present in plants as well as animals whereas cell wall is present in plants and fungal cells. Both the plasma membrane and cell wall protect the cell and act as a barrier to the external environment. The plasma membrane is present at the inner side of the cell wall in plant cells whereas acts as an outermost layer in animal cells. Both are important parts of cell structure and are different from one another.
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Difference Between Plasma Membrane And Cell Wall
Differences between Plasma Membrane and Cell Wall are as follows:
Parameter | Plasma Membrane | Cell Wall |
|---|---|---|
Presence | Plasma membrane is present in plant cells as well as animal cells. | The cell wall is present only in plants and fungal cells. |
Composition | The plasma membrane is made up of carbohydrates and lipoproteins. | The cell wall in plants is made up of cellulose and the fungal cell wall is made up of chitin |
Structure | The plasma membrane is flexible and not rigid in structure. | The cell wall is thick and rigid in structure. |
Receptors | Plasma membrane have receptors that helps in cell to cell communication. | Cell wall does not have receptors. |
Nutrition | In order to survive properly plasma membrane requires proper nutrition. | No nutrition is required for cell wall. |
Provides protection for | Plasma membrane provides protection for cytoplasm and organelles present inside it. | The cell wall provides protection for entire protoplasm. |
Regeneration and repair | Plasma membrane is capable of repairing and regenerating itself. | Cell wall cannot repair or regenerate itself. |
Living/Non-living | Plasma membrane is metabolically living and active. | Cell wall is a non living component unlike cell membrane. |
Functions | Functions of Plasma Membrane:
| Functions of Cell Wall:
|
What is Plasma Membrane?
Plasma Membrane is also known as Cell Membrane. It has a thin layer and fragile structure that is of only 5-10 nm and located below the cell wall. Plasma membrane is found in all the different types of cells. Plasma Membrane is permeable which means that it does not allow all the materials to enter inside the cell. Plasma membrane acts as a outer layer if cell wall is not present. Cell membrane is visible with the help of electron microscope. Plasma membrane is metabolically living and active therefore protects the cytoplasm and even its internal environment. Plasma membrane is also responsible for maintaining the constant internal environment in the cell cytoplasm.
What is Cell Wall?
Cell wall is defined as the most outermost layer of any plant cell, bacterial cell and fungal cell. Cell wall covers the plasma membrane in order to protect the protoplasm. Cell wall is absent in animal cells therefore plasma membrane is the outermost layer of the cell in animals. The cell wall is very thick and rigid in structure that is of 4 to 20 um. Cell wall is a non living component unlike cell membrane. Cell wall can be seen with the help of light microscope. The cell wall in plants is made up of cellulose and the fungal cell wall is made up of chitin. Cell wall acts as a food reservoir and performs regulation of intercellular transport.
Similarities between Plasma Membrane and Cell Wall
Similarities between Plasma Membrane and Cell Wall are as follows:
- Both Plasma membrane and cell wall provides with the protection.
- Incoming and outgoing of molecules is regulated by both plasma membrane and cell wall.
- Plasma membrane and cell wall both gives shape to the cells.
- Plasma membrane and cell wall provides with rigidity and support to cells.