Evolution of Cell Wall

In many different species, cell walls developed independently. The cellulose cell walls of the photosynthetic eukaryotes are one of the key factors in the development of multicellularity, territorialization, and vascularization. Because of endosymbiosis, the CesA cellulose synthase originated in cyanobacteria and was later transported into brown algae and oomycetes through secondary endosymbiosis events. Later, as plants developed different genes from CesA, the Csl (cellulose synthase-like) family of proteins and other Ces proteins were among them. In conjunction with other glycosyltransferases (GT), they made it possible to create more intricate chemical structures.

Chitin, glucan, and protein compose the cell wall of fungi. They use homologous 1,3-Beta-glucan synthases from the GT48 family to carry out the task, demonstrating that this enzyme is very old within eukaryotes. They share the 1,3-glucan synthesis pathway with plants. They have several mannose-rich glycoproteins. It’s possible that the cell wall developed to prevent viral infections. Proteins that are lodged in cell walls can undergo homologous recombination and are varied, and included in tandem repeats. Another possibility is that the fungi initially had a cell wall made of chitin and later gained the GT-48 enzymes for 1,3-glucans through horizontal gene transfer. In either scenario, the mechanism leading to 1,6-glucan production is not sufficiently understood.

Cell Wall

Cell wall is the non-living material that protects a cell’s outermost layer. It might be firm, elastic, or periodically rigid. It serves as a filtration system as well as structural support and protection for the cell. Cell walls are absent in many eukaryotes, including animals, but they are present in some of them, such as fungi, algae, plants, and most prokaryotes with the exception of mollicute bacteria. In this article, we will study the Cell wall, its composition, structure, and cell wall function.

Table of Content

  • Cell Wall Definition
  • What is a Cell Wall?
  • Cell Wall Diagram
  • Evolution of Cell Wall
  • Cell Wall Structure
  • Cell Wall Function
  • Differences between the Cell Wall and Cell Membrane

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Cell Wall Definition

A cell wall is a rigid, protective layer that surrounds the cell membrane of plant cells, fungi, and some prokaryotic cells. It provide structural support and protection to the cell....

What is a Cell Wall?

A cell wall is a structural layer that lies next to the cell membrane and serves primarily to give the cell strength and protection against mechanical stress. Its primary role is to offer the cell rigidity, durability, and resistance against stress from mechanical forces. Plants, fungi, protists, particularly molds and algae, and the majority of bacteria with the exception of mycoplasma and L-form bacteria are examples of creatures with cell walls. It is absent in both heterotrophic protists and animals....

Cell Wall Diagram

The labeled diagram of cell wall is shown below:...

Evolution of Cell Wall

In many different species, cell walls developed independently. The cellulose cell walls of the photosynthetic eukaryotes are one of the key factors in the development of multicellularity, territorialization, and vascularization. Because of endosymbiosis, the CesA cellulose synthase originated in cyanobacteria and was later transported into brown algae and oomycetes through secondary endosymbiosis events. Later, as plants developed different genes from CesA, the Csl (cellulose synthase-like) family of proteins and other Ces proteins were among them. In conjunction with other glycosyltransferases (GT), they made it possible to create more intricate chemical structures....

Cell Wall Structure

Plant cells must have strong enough tensile walls to withstand the internal osmotic pressures that come from the difference in solute concentration between the interior and exterior solutions, which can be many times higher than atmospheric pressure. Plant cell walls can range in thickness from 0.1 to several micrometers....

Cell Wall Function

The cell wall is an essential part of every plant cell and performs a number of important functions. Among the most important cell wall functions are the following:...

Differences between the Cell Wall and Cell Membrane

The below are some differences between cell wall and cell membrane for better understanding of both the structures:...

FAQs on Cell Wall

1. What is Cell Wall?...