Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

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What component of the cell provides support and shape?

Cell membrane
Cytoplasm
Cell wall
Organelles

The correct answer is: Cell wall

The component of the cell that provides support and shape is the cell wall. This rigid structure is found outside the cell membrane, primarily in plant cells, fungi, and some prokaryotic cells. The cell wall is composed mainly of cellulose in plants, which offers both structural support and protection. It helps maintain the cell's shape, prevents excessive water uptake, and provides a barrier to pathogens. The cell membrane, while crucial for regulating what enters and exits the cell, is more flexible and does not provide the same level of structural support as a cell wall. Cytoplasm refers to the semi-fluid substance within the cell, where organelles are suspended, but it does not contribute to the physical structure of the cell itself. Organelles are specialized structures within the cell that perform various functions but they do not provide support or shape to the cell as a whole. Therefore, the cell wall is the definitive structure responsible for maintaining the integrity and shape of certain types of cells.