Question

What is the difference between a plasma membrane and a cell wall?

Answer 1

Difference between plasma membrane and cell wall are as follows:

Plasma membrane:

1. Plasma membrane are specifically found in animal cells.

2. Plasma membrane is composed of semi-permeable phospholipid bilayer and is present in almost all types of cell.

3. With the help of semi-permeable membrane exchange of substances is made between the cell and the surrounding external environments by using carrier protein and channel proteins.

4. plasma membrane prevents entry of small molecules.

Cell wall:

1. It is specifically found in plant cells, bacteria, fungi and algae.

2. Cell walls are composed of permeable membrane.

3. Cell wall provides rigidness and strength to cell.

4. Cell wall prevents entry of larger molecules that helps to avoid toxicity for the cell.