What is the primary function of the bacterial cell wall?

What is the primary function of the bacterial cell wall?

• A. Provides energy for the cell
• B. Facilitates movement
• C. Offers structural support and protects against osmotic lysis
• D. Produces proteins for the cell

Answer: (C)

The primary function of the bacterial cell wall is to offer structural support and protect the cell against osmotic lysis. The cell wall is composed mainly of peptidoglycan in bacteria, which provides rigidity, maintaining the cell shape and integrity. This structure is crucial for withstanding the internal pressure exerted by the cytoplasm, particularly in environments where bacterial cells may be surrounded by a solution of low solute concentration. Without a strong cell wall, bacteria would be susceptible to bursting due to osmotic pressure, which could occur when water enters the cell. Other processes, such as energy production, movement, and protein synthesis, are critical functions of the cell but are facilitated by different structures within the cell. For instance, energy generation occurs in the cell membrane, movement is facilitated by flagella or pili, and protein production is carried out by ribosomes in the cytoplasm. Thus, the primary role of the cell wall distinctly focuses on structural integrity and protection.

The primary function of the bacterial cell wall is to offer structural support and protect the cell against osmotic lysis. The cell wall is composed mainly of peptidoglycan in bacteria, which provides rigidity, maintaining the cell shape and integrity. This structure is crucial for withstanding the internal pressure exerted by the cytoplasm, particularly in environments where bacterial cells may be surrounded by a solution of low solute concentration. Without a strong cell wall, bacteria would be susceptible to bursting due to osmotic pressure, which could occur when water enters the cell.

Other processes, such as energy production, movement, and protein synthesis, are critical functions of the cell but are facilitated by different structures within the cell. For instance, energy generation occurs in the cell membrane, movement is facilitated by flagella or pili, and protein production is carried out by ribosomes in the cytoplasm. Thus, the primary role of the cell wall distinctly focuses on structural integrity and protection.