A cell is a complex system. Like most systems, a cell contains a boundary that separates things that are inside the system from those that are outside of the system. Which part of the cell functions as a system boundary? Responses A cytoplasmcytoplasm B membranemembrane C nucleusnucleus D ribosome
B membrane
B. membrane
The part of the cell that functions as a system boundary is the membrane. The cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is a selectively permeable barrier that separates the interior of the cell, called the cytoplasm, from the external environment. It regulates the flow of substances in and out of the cell, allowing necessary nutrients to enter and waste products to exit. The membrane also plays a crucial role in cell communication and maintaining the cell's internal environment.
To determine which part of the cell functions as a system boundary, we can break down the given options:
A) Cytoplasm: The cytoplasm is the gel-like substance that fills the cell and surrounds the organelles. It does not act as a system boundary.
B) Membrane: The cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is a vital component of the cell that surrounds the cytoplasm and separates the internal environment of the cell from the external environment. It controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell, making it the correct answer as the system boundary.
C) Nucleus: The nucleus is an organelle that contains genetic material and is responsible for controlling cell activities. While it has boundaries, it doesn't serve as the overall system boundary for the cell.
D) Ribosome: Ribosomes are small structures in the cell that are responsible for protein synthesis. They do not function as a system boundary.
Based on the above analysis, the correct answer is B) membrane.