How does the cell membrane contribute to the structure and function of the cell?
It forms a rigid structure around the cell that provides shape and support to the cell.
It forms a boundary that controls what enters and leaves the cell.
It allows sunlight into the cell to make food.
It fills the cell and supports the organelles due to its jelly like substance.
The correct answer is:
- It forms a boundary that controls what enters and leaves the cell.
The cell membrane is selectively permeable, meaning it regulates the transport of substances in and out of the cell. It allows certain molecules and ions to pass through while preventing others from entering or exiting. This process of selective permeability helps maintain homeostasis within the cell by regulating the concentration of various substances and allowing for proper cellular function.
The cell membrane is a vital component of a cell and contributes to both its structure and function in several ways.
Firstly, the cell membrane forms a flexible boundary that encloses the cell. It provides shape and support to the cell by maintaining its structural integrity. Without the cell membrane, the cell would not have a defined shape and would not be able to maintain its internal organization.
Secondly, the cell membrane is selectively permeable, meaning it controls what substances can enter and leave the cell. This ability to regulate the movement of molecules is crucial for maintaining internal conditions necessary for the cell's survival. Nutrients, such as sugars and amino acids, can enter the cell through the membrane, while waste materials can be expelled. Additionally, the cell membrane plays a role in maintaining optimal concentrations of ions and other molecules inside the cell.
However, the cell membrane does not allow sunlight into the cell to make food. This is the role of chloroplasts in plant cells. Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, a pigment that captures sunlight and initiates the process of photosynthesis, which converts light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose.
Lastly, it is important to note that the cell membrane does not provide structural support for the cell. Organelles such as the cytoskeleton and cell wall are responsible for providing support and maintaining the shape of the cell. The cell membrane is a thin, flexible layer that separates the cell's contents from the outside environment.
In summary, the cell membrane contributes to the structure and function of a cell by providing shape and support, regulating the movement of substances in and out of the cell, and maintaining the internal conditions necessary for cellular processes to occur.
The cell membrane contributes to the structure and function of the cell in several ways:
1. Boundary and Selective Permeability: The cell membrane acts as a boundary between the cell and its external environment. It controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell, allowing only certain molecules to pass through in a process called selective permeability. This is crucial for maintaining internal homeostasis and protecting the cell from potentially harmful substances.
2. Structural Support: The cell membrane provides structural support to the cell by forming a flexible and semi-permeable barrier. It helps maintain the shape of the cell and prevents it from collapsing. The membrane also plays a role in cell adhesion, allowing cells to attach to one another and form tissues.
3. Communication and Signaling: The cell membrane contains proteins and receptors that enable communication and signaling between cells. These proteins help transmit signals from the external environment to the interior of the cell, allowing the cell to respond and adapt to its surroundings.
4. Transport of Molecules: The cell membrane includes various transport proteins and channels that facilitate the movement of molecules across the membrane. This includes passive diffusion, facilitated diffusion, and active transport mechanisms. These processes are essential for nutrient uptake, waste removal, and the overall functioning of the cell.
In summary, the cell membrane acts as a protective barrier, provides structural support, regulates the movement of substances, allows for communication and signaling, and facilitates the transport of molecules in and out of the cell.