Structure and Composition of Cell Membrane
Despite differences in structure and function, all living cells in multicellular organisms are surrounded by a cell membrane. Just like the outer layer of the skin separates the body from its environment similarly, the cell membrane, also known as 'plasma membrane,' separates the inner content from its exterior environment.
Cell Membrane
The cell membrane is known by different names like plasma membrane or cytoplasmic membrane, or biological membrane. The term "cell membrane" was first introduced by C. Nageli and C. Cramer in the year 1855. Later on, in 1931, the term "plasmalemma" for cell membrane was given by J. Plowe. The cell membrane separates the cell's internal environment from the extracellular space. This separation allows the protection of cells from their environment.
Prokaryotes vs Eukaryotes
The cell is defined as the basic structural and functional unit of life. The cell membrane bounds it. It is capable of independent existence.
Serial endosymbiosis is the most supported theory on how the first eukaryotic cells evolved from prokaryotic cells. The figure depicts the evolution of eukaryotic cells which include links to prokaryotic cells from early in the history of life.
- Identify the cellular structures involved in the connection of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Describe the characteristics of the cellular structures that supports the evolutionary connection.
- State a claim on how eukaryotic cells evolved. Using evolutionary evidence justify your claim. The cells modeled above are a result are descendants of an original cell.
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