Question

in the text area below compare and contrast a cell membrane and cell wall.

Explanation:

Cell membrane and cell wall are both structures in cells. Cell membrane is a thin, flexible layer made of lipids and proteins. It is present in all cells (plant, animal, bacterial etc.). It controls what enters and exits the cell (selectively permeable). Cell wall is a rigid layer. In plants, it is made of cellulose; in bacteria, of peptidoglycan. It provides structural support and protection. It is not present in animal cells. Both are extracellular (outside the cell's main interior), but cell wall is thicker and more rigid compared to the relatively thin and flexible cell membrane.

Answer:

Cell membrane is a thin, flexible, selectively - permeable layer (made of lipids and proteins) present in all cells, controlling substance movement. Cell wall is a rigid layer (composition varies like cellulose in plants, peptidoglycan in bacteria), providing support/protection, absent in animal cells. Both are extracellular, but cell wall is thicker/rigid while membrane is thin/flexible.