Functions of cell wall o Maintaining the cell's characteristic shape -the rigid wall compensates for the flexibility of the phospholipid membrane and keeps the cell from assuming a spherical shape o Countering the effects of osmotic pressure o Providing attachment sites for bacteriophages o Providing a rigid platform for sur face appendages flagella, fimbriae, and pili all emanate from the wall and extend beyond it o Play an essential role in cell division o Be the sites of major antigenic determinants of the cell surface。 o Resistance of antibioticsFunctions of Cell Wall ⚫ Maintaining the cell's characteristic shape- the rigid wall compensates for the flexibility of the phospholipid membrane and keeps the cell from assuming a spherical shape ⚫ Countering the effects of osmotic pressure ⚫ Providing attachment sites for bacteriophages ⚫ Providing a rigid platform for surface appendages￾flagella, fimbriae, and pili all emanate from the wall and extend beyond it ⚫ Play an essential role in cell division ⚫ Be the sites of major antigenic determinants of the cell surface。 ⚫ Resistance of Antibiotics