Which type of cell has a cell wall?

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The correct answer is that a plant cell has a cell wall.

A cell wall is a rigid layer that provides structural support and protection to the cell. In plants, the cell wall is primarily composed of cellulose, which is a complex carbohydrate. This structure not only helps maintain the shape of the cell but also allows for the development of turgor pressure, which is essential for maintaining the overall rigidity of plants. The presence of a cell wall is a defining feature of plant cells, differentiating them from animal cells, which lack this feature.

Bacterial cells also possess a cell wall, but it is chemically different from that of plant cells. In bacteria, the cell wall is primarily made of peptidoglycan, which serves similar protective and structural roles as the plant cell wall but is not classified as a plant cell.

Fungal cells have cell walls too, composed mainly of chitin, which is also distinct from both plant and bacterial cell walls. While animal cells do not have cell walls, their absence helps facilitate processes such as movement and flexibility, allowing for a variety of cell shapes and functions.

Thus, the emphasis on plant cells reflects their unique composition and vital functions within the plant kingdom.

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