QQuestionAnatomy and Physiology
QuestionAnatomy and Physiology
Which of the following statements best describes the function of a cell membrane?
A. The cell membrane has many functions, but its primary action is to regulate the movement of materials into and out of the cell.
B. The cell membrane has numerous functions, but its primary role is to keep organelles contained within the cell.
C. The cell membrane has many functions, but its primary action is to act as a barrier to keep foreign substances from moving into the cell.
D. The cell membrane's primary function is to move waste out of the cell.
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Answer
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Step 1:Let's solve this step by step:
Step 2:: Understand the Cell Membrane
The cell membrane (also called plasma membrane) is a complex biological structure that serves multiple important functions. To determine its primary function, we need to analyze the key characteristics of the membrane.
Step 3:: Analyze the Membrane's Key Properties
The cell membrane is a selectively permeable barrier made of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins. This structure allows it to: - Control what enters and exits the cell - Separate the cell's internal environment from the external environment - Regulate the passage of substances through various mechanisms like diffusion, osmosis, and active transport
Step 4:: Evaluate the Given Options
A. $$\checkmark$$ Regulating movement of materials into and out of the cell
B. Containing organelles (a secondary function, not primary) C. Blocking foreign substances (a partial function, not the primary role) D. Moving waste out of the cell (a specific, limited function)
Step 5:: Reasoning
The most comprehensive and accurate description of the cell membrane's primary function is its ability to regulate the movement of materials. This involves: - Allowing essential nutrients to enter - Permitting waste products to exit - Controlling ion concentrations - Maintaining cellular homeostasis
Final Answer
The cell membrane's primary action is to regulate the movement of materials into and out of the cell.
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