A cell wall is a structural layer found just outside the cell membrane that surrounds various types of cells.
It can be harsh, flexible, and rigid at times.
It gives structural support and protection to the cell, as well as acts as a filtering mechanism.
Cellulose fibers are long, linear polymers made up of a large number of aldohexose molecules.
As a result, the cell wall is composed of cellulose molecules.
Hemicelluloses have a branching and diverse chemical structure and are found mostly in primary cell walls.
Polymeric sugars make up the branches.
The matrix in which the cellulose network is embedded in initial cell walls is formed of pectin, a highly hydrated network of polysaccharides rich in galacturonic acid.