plasma (cell) membrane • why is it important that the plasma membrane is flexible? • why is it important that the plasma membrane is self - repairing? • what is it important that the plasma membrane be selectively - permeable? • in what way is the cell membrane like a security system for a cell?

Question

Accepted Answer

### 1. Why is it important that the plasma membrane is flexible?
# Brief Explanations:
Cell movement (e.g., amoeba), cell division (membrane must pinch), and organelle movement within the cell require membrane flexibility. Also, allows the cell to adapt to changes in the environment or mechanical stress (like in muscle cells during contraction).
# Answer:
It enables cell movement (e.g., amoeboid movement), cell division (membrane pinching during cytokinesis), organelle movement, and adaptation to mechanical stress/environmental changes (e.g., muscle cell contraction).

### 2. Why is it important that the plasma membrane is self - repairing?
# Brief Explanations:
The membrane can be damaged by physical (e.g., mechanical stress) or chemical (e.g., toxins) factors. Self - repair ensures the cell's integrity is maintained, preventing leakage of cellular contents and loss of selective permeability, which is vital for cell survival.
# Answer:
Damage from physical/chemical factors is common. Self - repair maintains cell integrity, prevents content leakage, and preserves selective permeability for cell survival.

### 3. Why is it important that the plasma membrane be selectively - permeable?
# Brief Explanations:
Selective permeability allows the cell to take in necessary substances (e.g., nutrients like glucose, ions) and exclude harmful ones (e.g., toxins). It also helps in maintaining internal homeostasis by regulating the concentration of substances (e.g., pH, ion balance) inside the cell.
# Answer:
It regulates the entry/exit of substances: allows necessary nutrients (e.g., glucose, ions) in, keeps out harmful toxins, and maintains internal homeostasis (e.g., ion/pH balance).

### 4. In what way is the cell membrane like a security system for a cell?
# Brief Explanations:
A security system controls who/what enters/exits a building. The cell membrane, via selective permeability, controls the entry/exit of molecules (like a security system controls access to a building). It allows authorized (needed) substances in and keeps unauthorized (harmful) substances out, protecting the cell's internal environment.
# Answer:
Like a security system controlling building access, the cell membrane (via selective permeability) controls molecular entry/exit: allows needed substances (authorized) in, keeps out harmful ones (unauthorized), protecting the cell's internal environment.

Sovi.AI - AI Math Tutor

QUESTION IMAGE

Question

Explanation:

1. Why is it important that the plasma membrane is flexible?

Answer:

2. Why is it important that the plasma membrane is self - repairing?