Concept explainers
Which of the following is the most fundamental feature that enables the cell to function as a distinct entity, separate from its environment? (a) nucleus (b) ribosomes (c)
(d) plasma membrane (e) protein
Introduction: Cells are the fundamental unit of life. They are modified in different ways to carry out various functions. Prokaryotes are single-celled organisms, and eukaryotes are mostly multicellular organisms.
Answer to Problem 1TYU
Correct answer: The most fundamental feature that enables the cell to function as a distinct entity, separate from its environment, is plasma membrane. Hence, the correct answer is option (d).
Explanation of Solution
Reason for the correct answer:
The plasma membrane, also called selectively permeable membrane, is the rigid boundary that separates the extracellular niche and the intracellular components. It is present in both prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells. The plasma membrane has pores that allow the movement of molecules across the lipid bilayer from the extracellular matrix to the interior of the cell or vice versa. It is made up of phospholipid bilayer that is embedded with proteins, carbohydrates, and cholesterol. The membrane barriers present outside the cell will maintain the chemical environment inside the cell. The internal composition of the cell is maintained only when the cell is separated from the outside environment.
Option (d) is given as “plasma membrane”.
Plasma membrane is also called as selectively permeable membrane, as it allows the entry of only selected particles to move inside and outside of cell.
Hence the correct answer is option (d).
Reasons for incorrect answers:
Option (a) is given as “nucleus”.
Nucleus is a cellular organelle present within eukaryotic cells. They do not permit the cell to function as a distinct entity, separate from its environment, as they are not selectively permeable.
Hence, option (a) is incorrect.
Option (b) is given as “ribosomes”.
The ribosomes are organelles that comprise proteins and ribonucleic acid (RNA). The ribosomes are associated with the synthesis of proteins. They do not separate the cell from its external environment.
Hence, option (b) is incorrect.
Option (c) is given as “nucleic acids”.
Nucleic acids are the biochemical entities that mainly constitute RNA or DNA as the genetic material. They do not separate the cell from its external environment.
Hence, option (c) is incorrect.
Option (e) is given as “protein”.
Protein is a biomolecule that is made of repeating subunits of amino acids. They do not separate the cell from its external environment.
Hence, option (e) is incorrect.
Hence, the options (a), (b), (c), and (e) are incorrect.
The plasma membrane is the boundary between the cell and its outer environment.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 4 Solutions
BIOLOGY >PRINT UPGRADE<
- Question #5: Assume that two genes are identified that confer gametophytic facultative apomixis in soybean. The genes show independent assortment. Recessive alleles at both loci are required for the facultative apomixis. Facultative apomixis is triggered when the temperature at pollination is above 20 degrees C. At temperatures below 20 degrees C, all reproduction is sexual, independent of genotype. A facultative apomict male, capable of producing viable pollen, was crossed with a sexually reproducing female. Assuming the parents are completely inbred, what are the predicted phenotypic ratios (apomict: non-apomict) for the F1, F2, and DH (F1-derived) generations at each of the following temperatures*: a) 15°C? b) 25°C? *for full credit, show crosses and genotypes where appropriate. Remember to position the female first (left side) in the cross. Type your answer here:arrow_forwarda. What percentage of a drug is eliminated after 4 half-lives? Please round to the nearest percent. b. What will happen to elimination of the drug in the previous question if the system is saturated? explain and show any math involvedarrow_forwardIf you wanted to reduce the difference between peak and trough levels that occur with repeated administration of a drug, how would you adjust the dose and dose interval without changing the plateau concentration (plateau is the average of peak and trough levels)? Select your answers for both dose and interval. Hint: It may be helpful to think about this problem using an example such as food. How would you eat if you wanted to maintain very steady hunger/satiety levels without changing your total caloric intake? Options: A. Dose; Increase dose B. Dose; Decrease dose C. Dose; Do not change dose D. Interval; Increase the interval between doses (give the drug less frequently) E. Interval; Decrease the interval between doses (give the drug more frequently) F. Interval; Do not change the intervalarrow_forward
- What percentage of a drug is eliminated after 4 half-lives? Please round to the nearest percent. Show the matharrow_forwardBriefly explain the 6 domain of interprofessional collaboration: Role clarification, Team functioning, Interprofessional communication, Patient/client/family/community-centered care, Interprofessional conflict resolution, Collaborative leadership. Provide a specific negative events that nursing student would observe in a clinical setting for each domain.arrow_forwardwhat is an intermittent water course and what kind of fish habitat it would providearrow_forward
- why are native freshwater mussels are an important part of great lakes ecosystemarrow_forwardwhat morphological features differentiate the lamprey species and other species in the great lakesarrow_forwardThere are a wide range of therapeutic applications available as options for patients. Medical professionals should be aware of these applications so they can make informed recommendations to patients. To gain a better understanding of some therapeutic applications and how they are related to RNA and mRNA, research long non-coding RNA. Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words: What is lncRNA and what does it do? How does IncRNA differ from mRNA? What are some therapeutic applications associated with lncRNA? Think about possible future uses of this application. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this application and its continued use?arrow_forward
- four fish or mussel species that are native to the great lakesarrow_forwardThere are a wide range of therapeutic applications available as options for patients. Medical professionals should be aware of these applications so they can make informed recommendations to patients. To gain a better understanding of some therapeutic applications and how they are related to RNA and mRNA, research long non-coding RNA. Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words: What is lncRNA and what does it do? How does IncRNA differ from mRNA? What are some therapeutic applications associated with lncRNA? Think about possible future uses of this application. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this application and its continued use?arrow_forwardfour physial characteristics of a fish or a mussel that would help you identify it to a speciesarrow_forward
- Concepts of BiologyBiologyISBN:9781938168116Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James WisePublisher:OpenStax CollegeHuman Physiology: From Cells to Systems (MindTap ...BiologyISBN:9781285866932Author:Lauralee SherwoodPublisher:Cengage LearningBiology (MindTap Course List)BiologyISBN:9781337392938Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. BergPublisher:Cengage Learning
- Human Biology (MindTap Course List)BiologyISBN:9781305112100Author:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillanPublisher:Cengage Learning