Which organelle provides cell protection and structure in plants and algae?

• A. Cell wall
• B. Chloroplast
• C. Mitochondria
• D. Nucleus

Answer: (A)

The cell wall is the structure that provides protection and shape for plant and algal cells. It forms a rigid layer outside the cell membrane, mainly made of cellulose in plants and may be various materials in algae. This wall helps keep the cell from bursting when water enters by osmosis and gives the plant its upright structure and strength to resist external forces. Other organelles have different roles: chloroplasts carry out photosynthesis, making sugar; mitochondria generate cellular energy; the nucleus stores genetic material and controls activities. So the cell wall best fits the idea of protection plus structural support in plants and algae.