In eukaryotic cells, the cytoplasm is contained within cells in the space between the _____ and the _____.
a
cell membrane and the plasma membrane
b
cell membrane and the nuclear membrane
c
nucleus and the nuclear membrane, only
d
plasma membrane and the external glycoproteins
b
cell membrane and the nuclear membrane
The correct answer is b) cell membrane and the nuclear membrane.
To answer this question, let's break down the options given:
a) Cell membrane and the plasma membrane
b) Cell membrane and the nuclear membrane
c) Nucleus and the nuclear membrane, only
d) Plasma membrane and the external glycoproteins
In eukaryotic cells, the cytoplasm is the gel-like substance that fills the cell. It contains various organelles, such as the mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus, as well as other cellular components. The cytoplasm is enclosed by the cell membrane, which forms the outer boundary of the cell.
Option a) suggests that the cytoplasm is contained between the cell membrane and the plasma membrane. However, the cell membrane and the plasma membrane refer to the same structure, so this option doesn't make sense.
Option b) proposes that the cytoplasm is contained between the cell membrane and the nuclear membrane. The cell membrane is indeed the outer boundary of the cell, but the nuclear membrane only surrounds the nucleus, not the entire cytoplasm. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
Option c) claims that the cytoplasm is contained between the nucleus and the nuclear membrane only. This option is also incorrect because it disregards the presence of the cell membrane, which is the primary boundary of the cell.
Option d) states that the cytoplasm is contained between the plasma membrane (which, as we discussed, is the same as the cell membrane) and the external glycoproteins. However, external glycoproteins are not a typical component of the cell structure, so this option is incorrect as well.
Therefore, the correct answer is none of the options provided. The cytoplasm is contained within cells between the cell membrane and the nuclear membrane, with the cell membrane being the outer boundary of the cell.