cell wall

[ sel wawl ]

noun

, Biology.

1. the definite boundary or wall that is part of the outer structure of certain cells, as a plant cell.

cell wall

noun

1. the outer layer of a cell, esp the structure in plant cells that consists of cellulose, lignin, etc, and gives mechanical support to the cell

cell wall

1. The outermost layer of cells in plants, bacteria, fungi, and many algae that gives shape to the cell and protects it from infection. In plants, the cell wall is made up mostly of cellulose, determines tissue texture, and often is crucial to cell function.
2. Compare cell membrane

cell wall

1. The rigid outer covering of a typical plant cell , composed mainly of cellulose and lying outside the cell membrane . Animal cells do not have cell walls.

Notes

It is the cell walls that give plant stems and wood their stiffness.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cell wall¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

Gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria differ in the composition of their cell walls.

From Science Daily

This new research explored the origin and evolution of the biochemical machinery that builds lignin, a structural component of plant cell walls with significant impacts on the clean energy industry.

From Science Daily

Cellulose, which helps give plant cell walls their rigid structure, holds promise as a renewable raw material for biofuels -- if researchers can accelerate the production process.

From Science Daily

While results provided compelling evidence that the pulses helped facilitate the virus's penetration of the cell walls, Booske says the team has yet to discover exactly how the process works at the molecular level.

From Science Daily

Proteins constantly have to be synthesized, cell walls built, and DNA replicated.

From Science Daily