No, cheek cells are not rigid.
Unlike plant cells, which have rigid cell walls, animal cells like cheek cells lack these structures. This lack of a cell wall is what gives cheek cells, and most animal cells, their characteristic irregular and flexible shape.
Here's a breakdown:
- Cell Walls: Plant cells possess rigid cell walls which provide structural support and maintain a fixed shape.
- Animal Cells: Animal cells, including cheek cells, do not have cell walls.
- Flexibility: The absence of cell walls makes cheek cells more flexible and adaptable, allowing them to change shape as needed.
- Shape: The lack of a rigid wall also contributes to the irregular shapes observed in cheek cells.
The reference material highlights that: "Cheek cells are irregularly shaped because they do not have cell walls. This is why most animal cells have irregular shapes, since only plant cells have cell walls. Cell walls are rigid and help plant cells maintain a strict shape. Since animal cells lack these, they are softer and their shape is more flexible."
| Feature | Plant Cells | Animal Cells (e.g., Cheek Cells) |
|---|---|---|
| Cell Walls | Present (rigid) | Absent |
| Shape | Fixed | Irregular, Flexible |
| Rigidity | High | Low |
Therefore, because they lack cell walls, cheek cells are not rigid and have flexible, irregular shapes.
