What provides structural support to plant cells?

The correct answer is the cell wall, which is a crucial component of plant cells. The cell wall is made up primarily of cellulose, a carbohydrate that provides rigidity and strength. This structure allows plant cells to maintain their shape and withstand pressure from the internal water pressure (turgor pressure) that builds up as water enters the cell. The presence of the cell wall is what gives plants their upright posture and protects them from mechanical damage and pathogens.

In contrast, the cell membrane is more flexible and primarily regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell, rather than providing structural support. The nucleus serves as the control center of the cell, housing genetic material, while the cytoplasm is the gel-like substance where cellular processes occur but does not contribute to the structural integrity of the cell.