What is the primary role of the plasma membrane in a cell?
Solution
Correct Answer: Option B
- The primary role of the plasma membrane in a cell is to regulate the movement of substances into and out of the cell.
- This selective permeability allows the cell to maintain a stable internal environment, or homeostasis, by controlling the entry of nutrients, the removal of waste products, and the prevention of harmful substances from entering.
- While other options listed have important cellular functions, they are not the main roles of the plasma membrane. For instance, providing structural support is mainly the function of the cytoskeleton and cell wall (in plant cells), synthesizing proteins is the role of ribosomes, and generating energy through oxidative phosphorylation occurs in the mitochondria.
- In summary, the plasma membrane acts as a selective barrier that is crucial for the cell’s interactions with its environment and its survival.
Reference: Molecular Biology of the Cell, 6th Edition, Chapter 10: The Structure and Function of Plasma Membranes, Page 533
- This selective permeability allows the cell to maintain a stable internal environment, or homeostasis, by controlling the entry of nutrients, the removal of waste products, and the prevention of harmful substances from entering.
- While other options listed have important cellular functions, they are not the main roles of the plasma membrane. For instance, providing structural support is mainly the function of the cytoskeleton and cell wall (in plant cells), synthesizing proteins is the role of ribosomes, and generating energy through oxidative phosphorylation occurs in the mitochondria.
- In summary, the plasma membrane acts as a selective barrier that is crucial for the cell’s interactions with its environment and its survival.
Reference: Molecular Biology of the Cell, 6th Edition, Chapter 10: The Structure and Function of Plasma Membranes, Page 533
Practice More Questions on Our App!
Download our app for free and access thousands of MCQ questions with detailed solutions