Prescott's Microbiology
Prescott's Microbiology
11th Edition
ISBN: 9781260211887
Author: WILLEY, Sandman, Wood
Publisher: McGraw Hill
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Chapter 25, Problem 1RC
Summary Introduction

To determine: The structure and function of the component layers of the cell envelope of the eukaryotic cell.

Introduction: Eukaryotes are the organisms that contain a well-developed nucleus and cell organelles. The cell envelope of the cell means the outer covering of the cell and its components.

Expert Solution & Answer
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Explanation of Solution

The cell envelope consists of the plasma membrane and the coverings that are present outside it. Many eukaryotic microbes have only a plasma membrane without a cell wall, so they have very simple cell envelopes. The lipid bilayer of the plasma membrane of the eukaryotes contains sphingolipids and sterols. The eukaryotic cells have integral membrane proteins and lipids with carbohydrates.

Pictorial representation:

Prescott's Microbiology, Chapter 25, Problem 1RC

Fig.1: The cell envelope of the eukaryotic cell

It forms a carbohydrate-rich layer on the surface of the cell called the glycocalyx.  The chemical composition of the cell walls of eukaryotic microbes varies from cell to cell. Algae cell walls contain large quantities of the polysaccharides cellulose and pectin. Fungal cell walls are rigid. The cell wall composition varies with the fungal organisms. The cell wall is made up of cellulose, chitin, and glucan.

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