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Six facts about the cell wall

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  • Cell walls are made of cellulose. They are a feature of plant cells.

  • Mature cells add substances to the primary cell wall for additional strength or to make it waterproof. This is the secondary cell wall.

  • The cell wall is rigid and strong, it prevents cells from bursting as they absorb water by osmosis.

  • The fibres of cell walls are laid down in different directions to add strength.

  • Cell walls contain other substances making a tough matrix. There is a "glue" between the cell walls of adjacent cells.

  • Cell walls work with the vacuole to make a cell turgid and to help support the plant.