Cell wall

Think of a cell wall like a protective outer layer for a plant or bacterial cell, kind of like wearing a coat when it's cold outside. The cell wall is made up of lots of tiny molecules called carbohydrates and proteins, which link together to form a strong and sturdy barrier that covers the entire cell. This wall helps protect the cell and keep everything inside safe, like the cell's special machinery that makes energy and keeps it growing.

But even with this wall, the cell still needs to get food and water to survive. So, the wall has tiny channels and doors called pores that let things in and out. These pores help balance the amount of water and nutrients inside the cell with what is outside of it, kind of like opening and closing a window to regulate the temperature in a room.

Overall, think of the cell wall as a protective jacket that plants and bacterial cells wear to stay safe and healthy, while still being able to get the things they need to survive.