Question

(02.02 mc)
which of the following outcomes would be most likely if the proteins embedded in a cell membrane became unable to properly function?

more nuclei would be formed inside the cell to store an increasing amount of waste.

proteins in the cell wall would then have to carry out additional functions.

the cell would be forced to divide as substances continued to build up inside the cell.

the cell would die as many substances would be unable to enter or leave the cell.

Explanation:

1. Analyze Option 1: Nuclei store genetic material, not waste. So this is incorrect.
2. Analyze Option 2: Animal cells lack cell walls, and cell wall proteins (in plant cells) have different functions than cell membrane proteins. So this is incorrect.
3. Analyze Option 3: Substance buildup doesn't force cell division; it causes dysfunction. So this is incorrect.
4. Analyze Option 4: Cell membrane proteins (like transport proteins) regulate substance entry/exit. If they fail, essential substances can't enter, waste can't exit, leading to cell death. This matches the role of membrane proteins.

Answer:

D. The cell would die as many substances would be unable to enter or leave the cell.