Why do animal cells not require a cell wall?
Animal cells do not require a cell wall because they have other structural components that provide support and protection. The primary reason is that animal cells often need to be more flexible and capable of movement compared to plant cells. The absence of a rigid cell wall allows animal cells to change shape and move, which is essential for various physiological processes such as muscle contraction, immune response, and cell migration.
Instead of a cell wall, animal cells have a flexible plasma membrane that is composed of a lipid bilayer, which provides a barrier between the internal cell contents and the external environment. This plasma membrane aids in maintaining the shape of the cell and regulating the movement of molecules in and out of the cell.
Furthermore, animal cells have an internal skeleton system, including the cytoskeleton, which provides structural support. The cytoskeleton consists of protein filaments that help maintain the shape of the cell and play a role in cell division and movement. Animal cells also have extracellular matrix components, such as collagen and fibronectin, which provide additional support and help to anchor cells together.
Overall, the absence of a cell wall in animal cells allows for their flexibility, mobility, and complex interactions with their environment.