Which characteristic best describes a cell wall?

A cell wall is primarily composed of rigid materials that provide structural support and protection to the cell. This characteristic is crucial for maintaining the shape of the cell and safeguarding it against mechanical stress and external factors. In plant cells, for example, the cell wall is made of cellulose, a substance that is strong and helps prevent the cell from bursting under osmotic pressure. This thick and protective nature of the cell wall is essential for the overall integrity of the organisms that possess them, such as plants, fungi, and some bacteria. While other choices describe properties of various cellular structures, they do not accurately capture the distinct, protective role that the cell wall plays in maintaining cellular stability.