Which organelle is essential for the diffusion of water, oxygen, and carbon dioxide in and out of the cell?

The cell wall plays a crucial role in regulating the movement of substances such as water, oxygen, and carbon dioxide in and out of the cell, particularly in plant cells. It serves as a protective barrier that provides structure and support while allowing for selective permeability. This permeability allows small molecules like water and gases to diffuse easily across the cell wall, enabling essential processes like respiration and photosynthesis to occur.

In contrast, the cytoskeleton provides structural support to the cell and is involved in intracellular transport but does not directly facilitate the diffusion of these substances. The Golgi apparatus is mainly involved in the modification, sorting, and packaging of proteins and lipids and does not play a primary role in the diffusion of gases or water. The nucleus is responsible for storing genetic material and regulating gene expression, not for facilitating diffusion processes. Thus, the cell wall is indeed key for the efficient exchange of vital substances between the cell and its environment.