What does the structure of the cell wall provide?

The structure of the cell wall primarily provides support and shape to the cell. In plant cells, fungi, and many prokaryotes, the cell wall is a rigid exterior that surrounds the cell membrane, helping to maintain the integrity and stability of the cell. This rigidity helps the cell withstand internal pressure, preventing it from bursting in hypotonic environments, and also gives cells their characteristic shapes, which can be crucial for the overall architecture of tissues in multicellular organisms. This structural function is fundamental to the organism's ability to optimize its biological functions and interact with its environment.