In addition to providing structural support, what is another function of cell walls in plants?

Cell walls play a critical role in maintaining the overall structure and integrity of plant cells. One of their primary functions is to enable cells to withstand internal water pressure without rupturing. This is particularly important for plant cells, which often have high turgor pressure due to water uptake. The rigidity and strength of the cell wall prevent the cell from bursting under this pressure, allowing plants to maintain their structure and resist collapse. This function is essential for the growth and stability of the plant as a whole, particularly in ensuring that they can stand upright and access sunlight effectively.

Other functions of cell walls, such as facilitating nutrient movement, assisting in photosynthesis, or producing energy, are not direct roles of the cell wall. Instead, these processes are mainly associated with other cellular structures and functions. The cell wall primarily serves as a protective and supportive barrier, crucially contributing to the plant's ability to survive and thrive in various environments.