**Introduction:**

The cell wall is a rigid structure that surrounds the cell membrane in plant cells. It provides support, protection, and shape to the cell. If the cell wall of a plant cell is damaged, several consequences can occur, affecting the overall function and survival of the cell. Let's delve into the details of what happens when the cell wall is damaged.

**Loss of Structural Support:**

The cell wall provides structural support to plant cells, maintaining their shape and preventing them from bursting under osmotic pressure. When the cell wall is damaged, the cell loses its structural integrity, leading to various detrimental effects.

**Cell Bursting (Cytolysis):**

Without the cell wall, the plant cell becomes more susceptible to bursting due to an influx of water. This occurs because the cell wall acts as a barrier, restricting excessive water intake. When damaged, the cell wall fails to regulate water entry, causing the cell to swell and potentially burst, a process known as cytolysis.

**Impairment of Cellular Functions:**

The damaged cell wall can also impair various cellular functions, as it affects the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

1. **Reduced Nutrient Uptake:** The damaged cell wall may hinder the cell's ability to take up essential nutrients from the surrounding environment. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies and negatively impact the cell's metabolism and growth.

2. **Loss of Turgor Pressure:** Turgor pressure is the pressure exerted by the cell contents against the cell wall. A damaged cell wall may result in the loss of turgor pressure, causing the cell to become flaccid and unable to maintain its normal shape.

3. **Impaired Waste Removal:** The damaged cell wall can also interfere with the elimination of metabolic waste products from the cell. Accumulation of waste can be toxic and disrupt cellular processes.

4. **Reduced Gas Exchange:** The cell wall plays a role in gas exchange, allowing the passage of gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide. Damage to the cell wall can impede this exchange, limiting the cell's ability to respire efficiently.

**Increased Susceptibility to Pathogens:**

A compromised cell wall makes the plant cell more vulnerable to pathogens, such as bacteria and fungi. The intact cell wall acts as a physical barrier, preventing the entry of pathogens. When damaged, the cell wall offers less protection, making the cell more prone to infection and disease.

**Conclusion:**

In summary, the cell wall is a vital component of plant cells that provides structural support, regulates water intake, and maintains cell shape. Damage to the cell wall can lead to the loss of structural support, cell bursting, impairment of cellular functions, and increased susceptibility to pathogens. Maintaining the integrity of the cell wall is crucial for the survival and proper functioning of plant cells.

If cell wall is absent in plant cell then all the functioning of all the cell organelles present inside the cell would be affected as diffusion of various substances would not occur. Due to absence of turgor pressure, the cell will not bear the concentration of solution (either hypertonic or hypotonic) and will burst.