Comparison between Primary cell wall and Secondary cell wall
Let me share with you a comparison between Primary cell wall and Secondary cell wall.
| Aspect | Primary Cell Wall | Secondary Cell Wall |
| Composition | Rich in cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin | Composed of inorganic salts, silica, waxes, cutin, lignin etc. |
| Formation | Formed during cell growth and division | Forms after primary cell wall deposition, often after cell expansion has ceased |
| Thickness | Relatively thin | Thicker and more rigid |
| Cell Types | Found in all plant cells | Present in some specialized cells e.g., xylem cells in plants. |
| Pores and Gaps | Contains plasmodesmata for communication between cells | Generally more rigid and less permeable compared to the primary cell wall |
| Lignin Content | Usually low or absent | Contains lignin in addition to other polysaccharides |
| Flexibility | Provides flexibility to growing cells | Provides structural support and rigidity to cells |
| Function | Supports cell structure and allows for cell expansion | Provides additional strength and support to cells, especially in tissues with a structural role |
| Growth Stage | Present during active cell growth | Formed after the cessation of cell elongation, often during cell maturation or in specialized tissues |
| Degradation | Can be broken down by enzymes like pectinases | More resistant to degradation due to the presence of lignin and additional layers of cellulose |