what does the cell wall do

The cell wall serves several important functions in plant cells. It surrounds the plasma membrane of plant cells and provides tensile strength and protection against mechanical and osmotic stress. The cell wall is composed of a network of cellulose microfibrils and cross-linking glycans embedded in a highly cross-linked matrix of pectin polysaccharides. It distinguishes plant cells from animal cells and is responsible for many of the characteristics that distinguish plant cells from animal cells. The cell wall ensures that the cell does not burst due to overexpansion as water flows in, maintains the shape and osmolarity of the cells, acts as a defense against pressure due to the inflow of water, and provides structural and mechanical support, protection against pathogens, and dehydration. Additionally, the cell wall acts as a filtering mechanism, preventing over-expansion of the cell when water enters, and limits the entry of large molecules that may be toxic to the cell.