What is the purpose of thin-walled cells?

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In summary, while cells with thick walls may support an organism, not all cells have this function. For example, plant cells have cell walls for protection, but cells in bones secrete material for bone formation, cells in the stomach need to absorb nutrients, and cells in leaves need to take in oxygen and sunlight. This shows that the function of thin walls in cells varies depending on their specific role within an organism.
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Cells with thick wall can support the whole organisms. Then what is the function of thin wall?
 
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  • #2
I don't remember much of my biology, but I thought it had something to do with acting as a protective barrier within the thick wall of the cell, protecting different parts like the nucleus.
 
  • #3
Well, of course not all cells function to support the organism. Technically only plant cells have cell walls, but cells in the bones of a mammal secrete material that forms an extra cellular matrix making up the bone. Cells in your stomach that are supposed to take up nutrients from digested food should not have a thick layer around them as that would hinder intake of nutrients. Same for certain cells in the roots of a tree. As an other example, cells in the leaves of a plant have to be able to take in oxygen and release carbondioxide so they cannot have a thick cell wall, also sunlight must be able to reach the chlorofyl within the cells so they cannot have a wall that blocks sunlight.

I guess you can come up with many, many more examples yourself.
 
  • #4
Interesting, you learn something new everyday.
 

1. What is the difference between a thick wall and a thin wall?

A thick wall is one that has a larger cross-sectional area and is made of a denser material, while a thin wall has a smaller cross-sectional area and is made of a less dense material. This means that a thick wall is stronger and more rigid, while a thin wall is more lightweight and flexible.

2. When should I use a thick wall versus a thin wall?

The decision to use a thick or thin wall depends on the intended use of the structure. Thick walls are typically used for structural support or in applications where strength and durability are important, such as in building construction. Thin walls are commonly used in applications where weight and flexibility are more important, such as in packaging materials or medical devices.

3. How do you determine the appropriate thickness for a wall?

The appropriate thickness for a wall depends on various factors, including the material being used, the intended use of the structure, and the surrounding environmental conditions. Engineers and designers use mathematical calculations and simulations to determine the optimal thickness for a wall based on these factors.

4. Can a thin wall be as strong as a thick wall?

While thin walls can be designed to be strong and durable, they may not have the same level of strength and rigidity as a thick wall. Thick walls have a larger cross-sectional area, which allows them to withstand greater amounts of stress and pressure. However, with advances in technology and materials, thin walls can now be made to be just as strong as thick walls in certain applications.

5. Are there any disadvantages to using a thick wall?

The main disadvantage of using a thick wall is that it can be more expensive and time-consuming to construct compared to a thin wall. Thick walls also take up more space and may not be suitable for certain applications where weight and space are limited. Additionally, the weight of a thick wall can put more stress on the foundation or supporting structures.

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