What is a key distinction between plant and fungal cell walls?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the key difference between plant and fungal cell walls, specifically referring to the materials that make up these walls. The focus is on identifying the correct statement about the composition of cell walls in fungi and plants.
Answer
Fungal cell walls contain chitin; plant cell walls contain cellulose.
The key distinction between plant and fungal cell walls is their composition: fungal cell walls are primarily made of chitin, glucans, and proteins, while plant cell walls are mainly composed of cellulose, hemicelluloses, pectin, and other substances.
Answer for screen readers
The key distinction between plant and fungal cell walls is their composition: fungal cell walls are primarily made of chitin, glucans, and proteins, while plant cell walls are mainly composed of cellulose, hemicelluloses, pectin, and other substances.
More Information
Fungal cell walls contain chitin, which is a key component also found in the exoskeletons of insects and crustaceans. In contrast, plant cell walls are strengthened by cellulose, a structural polysaccharide.
Tips
Confusing cellulose and chitin or assuming that all cell walls are made of similar materials can lead to incorrect conclusions.
Sources
- Earthpedia Article: Plant Cells and Fungus Cells - earth.com
- How do cell walls differ among bacteria, fungi, and plants? - Socratic - socratic.org
- Difference between Plants and Fungi - BYJU'S - byjus.com
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