What is the function of the cell wall in plants?

The function of the cell wall in plants is indeed to maintain structure and separate the cell from its environment. The cell wall is a rigid layer that provides support and protection to plant cells, ensuring they maintain their shape and integrity, especially when they are subjected to external pressures. This structure is primarily composed of cellulose, which is a polysaccharide that contributes to the strength and rigidity of the wall.

Additionally, the cell wall also plays an important role in regulating the interaction between the plant cell and its surrounding environment. It allows the passage of certain substances and can prevent harmful pathogens from entering while providing a barrier against desiccation (drying out). This function is critical in enabling plants to thrive in a variety of environmental conditions.

Without the structural support offered by the cell wall, plants would be unable to grow upright and would be more susceptible to damage from external forces. The other options reflect functions associated with other cellular components, such as the cell membrane and organelles like the Golgi apparatus or nucleolus, which are not related to the specific role of the cell wall.