Which component of plant cells is responsible for structural support?

The cell wall is the component of plant cells responsible for structural support. It is a rigid outer layer that provides strength and protection to the plant cell. Composed mainly of cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin, the cell wall helps maintain the shape of the cell and withstand external pressures, contributing to the overall turgidity of plant tissues. This structural integrity is crucial for plants, allowing them to grow upright and thrive in various environments.

In contrast, the cell membrane is a semi-permeable barrier that controls the movement of substances into and out of the cell but does not provide significant structural support. Chloroplasts are organelles involved in photosynthesis and do not play a direct role in structural integrity. The nucleus, which contains the cell's genetic material, is essential for controlling cellular activities but also does not contribute to the cell's structure.