What is the function of a cell wall?

The cell wall serves a crucial structural role in providing protection and support to the cell. It is a rigid layer that exists outside of the cell membrane, primarily found in plant cells, fungi, and some prokaryotic organisms. This additional layer helps maintain cell shape and prevents osmotic lysis, which is when a cell can burst due to excess water intake.

The other functions mentioned do not accurately describe the cell wall's primary role. For example, regulating molecular traffic is the function of the cell membrane rather than the cell wall. DNA protection is primarily a function of the nuclear membrane and other cellular mechanisms rather than the cell wall. Storing enzymes for digestion is generally associated with lysosomes or vacuoles, not the cell wall. Hence, the correct understanding of the cell wall's function emphasizes its role in providing a protective external structure for the cell.