Bacterial Cell Wall and Plant Cell Structure

These flashcards cover critical concepts related to the bacterial cell wall and typical plant cell structures as discussed in lecture.

What is a cell wall and where is it found?

The cell wall is a rigid structure found in plant cells, some bacterial cells, and some fungal cells.

What is the primary function of the cell wall?

To provide protection and support to the cell.

How does the cell wall differ from the cell membrane?

The cell wall is rigid and much thicker than the cell membrane, which is flexible.

How thick can a bacterial cell wall be compared to the cell membrane?

The cell wall can be up to 100 times thicker than the cell membrane.

What material primarily makes up most plant cell walls?

Most plant cell walls are made up of cellulose.

What type of molecule is cellulose?

Cellulose is a polysaccharide.

What supports the fibers of cellulose in the cell wall?

Cellulose fibers are embedded in a matrix of proteins and other polysaccharides.

What happens to an animal cell in a hypotonic solution?

Water rushes in, causing the cell membrane to expand and possibly burst.

What prevents plant cells from bursting in a hypotonic solution?

The cell wall prevents the cell membrane from expanding beyond a certain limit.

What occurs when an animal cell absorbs too much water?

The cell can break or lyse, resulting in cell explosion.

What is the effect of a cell wall on cells in fresh water environments?

It protects the cell from over-absorption of water and rupture.

Why are bacterial cells likely to have cell walls?

To protect them from their external environments and maintain integrity.

What role do cell walls play in the structure of plants?

They provide support to keep plants upright.

What is an example of a structure that utilizes a cell wall for protection?

Bacterial cells utilize the cell wall to protect against destruction by the immune system.

What is the significance of the cell wall for unicellular organisms?

It allows them to thrive in aqueous environments without rupturing.

What happens when a plant cell is placed in freshwater?

The cell membrane expands but is held in place by the rigid cell wall.

What analogy is used to describe what happens to animal cells in hypotonic solutions?

It's compared to filling a water balloon until it bursts.

What happens to a cell if its wall is compromised?

The cell becomes useless if it ruptures.

What potential environments do many unicellular organisms inhabit?

Aqueous environments.

Why are antibiotics often effective against bacteria?

They target and degrade the bacterial cell wall.

What keeps a plant cell upright and structurally sound?

The cell wall provides necessary support and protection.

In what type of solution does the cell wall protect plant cells from rupturing?

Hypotonic solution.

What happens to cells without a cell wall when placed in freshwater?

They can rupture due to excessive water intake.

How does the presence of a cell wall affect the survival of bacteria?

It allows them to survive in varying environments and resist destruction.

What happens to the cell membrane of plant cells in comparison to animal cells when in freshwater?

It expands but does not burst due to the presence of the cell wall.