Do Protists Have Cell Walls

Do Protists Have Cell Walls?

By: Kate Latham

Last Updated: February 27, 2021

Some protists have cell walls, but not all of them do. Plant-like protists (AKA algae), and fungi-like protists (i.e., molds) both have cell walls, but animal-like protists (protozoa) do not. Plant-like and fungi-like protists have cell walls Cell Walls in Plant-like Protists Plant-like protists, or algae, usually have cell walls. These are similar to the cell walls of land plants in that they contain cellulose. Although most algae have cell walls some, such as the euglenids, don’t. Cell Walls in Fungi-Like Protists Fungi-like protists (AKA molds) also have cell walls containing cellulose. In this way, they are more similar to other protist species than true fungi, whose cell walls contain chitin. Click here to learn more about the classification, characteristics, and different types of protists.

Cell Walls in Plant-like Protists

Plant-like protists, or algae, usually have cell walls. These are similar to the cell walls of land plants in that they contain cellulose. Although most algae have cell walls some, such as the euglenids, don’t.

Cell Walls in Fungi-Like Protists

Fungi-like protists (AKA molds) also have cell walls containing cellulose. In this way, they are more similar to other protist species than true fungi, whose cell walls contain chitin.

Click here to learn more about the classification, characteristics, and different types of protists.