Which structural component primarily provides shape and support to cells?

The choice highlighting cell walls in plants and microtubules in animals is correct because both structures play critical roles in providing shape and support to their respective cell types.

In plant cells, the cell wall is a rigid structure composed primarily of cellulose. It surrounds the cell membrane and is essential for maintaining the cell’s shape, preventing excessive water intake, and providing structural integrity. This rigidity allows plants to stand upright and reach toward the light, which is vital for photosynthesis.

In animal cells, microtubules are part of the cytoskeleton, a network of protein fibers that helps maintain the shape of the cell. They provide mechanical support and are involved in various cellular processes, including cell division, intracellular transport, and cell motility. Microtubules are dynamic structures that can grow and shrink as needed, allowing cells to adapt their shape and organization according to their environment and specific functions.

Thus, this option accurately captures the structural components that are key in giving both plant and animal cells their distinctive shapes and supporting their functions.