Question

Which of these is a possible explanation for the presence of a rigid cell wall in plants?

a) To prevent water loss
b) To facilitate cell movement
c) To increase cell flexibility
d) To store excess nutrients

Answer 1

The presence of a rigid cell wall in plants serves to prevent water loss and protect against osmotic pressure. It provides structural support, shapes the cell, and helps the plant withstand environmental stressors. Hence, option (a) is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The presence of a rigid cell wall in plants can be explained by the need to prevent water loss and protect the plant from osmotic pressure. The cell wall acts as a barrier and helps the plant cells against bursting or shrinking.

When plants are subjected to changes in temperature, the rigid cell walls provide protection to the plant. The cell wall gives structural support, shapes the cell, and helps the plant withstand environmental stressors.

To illustrate, when you bite into a raw vegetable like celery, you are tearing the rigid cell walls of the celery cells with your teeth, creating a crunch sound.