How does a cell wall and a cell membrane differ in their permeability?

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Detailed Solution

The cell wall and cell membrane differ because the cell wall is freely permeable while the cell membrane is selectively permeable.

The cell wall is found in plants, fungi, and bacteria. It allows almost all substances (water, gases, minerals) to pass through freely. The cell membrane, present in all cells, controls the entry and exit of substances. It allows only selected molecules like nutrients and oxygen to pass, while blocking harmful ones. This selective permeability maintains the internal balance of the cell.

Feature	Cell Wall	Cell Membrane
Location	Outside cell membrane (plants, fungi, bacteria)	Present in all cells
Permeability	Freely permeable	Selectively permeable
Main Composition	Cellulose (plants)	Lipids and proteins

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