Question

Can cell walls burst?

Answer 1

Cell wall:

1. The cell wall is the non-living component, covering the outermost layer of a cell.
2. The composition of the cell wall varies among the organism.
3. The cell wall separates inner contents from the outer environment. It also provides support, and protection to the cell and its organelles.
4. However, this cellular structure is present in eukaryotic plants, fungi, and some prokaryotic organisms. It is absent in animal cells.

Bursting of cell wall:

1. When a cell is placed in a solution containing less concentration of the solution than the solutes (hypotonic solution) then the solution tends to tenter inside the cell. It leads to the swelling of the cell.
2. As the cell wall is the protective layer, it applies a force that prevents the cell from bursting in the hypotonic medium.
3. Generally, the cell wall protects the cell from damage. If the cell is kept in a freezing medium. and if it comes in contact with different enzymes, then cell wall bursting is possible.