Ch. 4 A Tour of the Cell

Taylor - Campbell Biology: Concepts & Connections 10th Edition

Taylor, Simon, Dickey, Hogan10th EditionCampbell Biology: Concepts & ConnectionsISBN: 9780136538783Not the one you use?Change textbook

Taylor, Simon, Dickey, Hogan 10th Edition

Ch. 4 A Tour of the Cell

Problem 5

Chapter 4, Problem 5

Which of the following is one of the major components of the plasma membrane of a plant cell?
a. Phospholipids
b. Cellulose fibers
c. Collagen fibers
d. Pectins

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the structure and function of the plasma membrane. The plasma membrane is a selectively permeable barrier that surrounds the cell, controlling the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

Step 2: Recall the major components of the plasma membrane. The plasma membrane is primarily composed of a phospholipid bilayer, along with embedded proteins, cholesterol (in animal cells), and carbohydrates.

Step 3: Eliminate incorrect options based on their biological roles. Cellulose fibers are a major component of the plant cell wall, not the plasma membrane. Collagen fibers are found in connective tissues of animals, not plants. Pectins are polysaccharides found in the plant cell wall, not the plasma membrane.

Step 4: Focus on the correct option. Phospholipids are amphipathic molecules that form the bilayer structure of the plasma membrane, making them a major component of the membrane.

Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is phospholipids, as they are essential for the structure and function of the plasma membrane in plant cells.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Plasma Membrane Structure

The plasma membrane is a biological barrier that surrounds the cell, composed primarily of a phospholipid bilayer. This structure allows for selective permeability, enabling the cell to maintain homeostasis by controlling the movement of substances in and out.

Phospholipids

Phospholipids are molecules that consist of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) 'head' and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) 'tails.' In the plasma membrane, they arrange themselves into a bilayer, with the heads facing outward towards the aqueous environment and the tails tucked inward, providing structural integrity and fluidity.

Plant Cell Components

In addition to the plasma membrane, plant cells have unique components such as a rigid cell wall made of cellulose. While cellulose provides structural support, it is not a component of the plasma membrane, which is primarily made up of phospholipids and proteins that facilitate various cellular functions.

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Textbook Question

The ultrastructure of a chloroplast is best studied using a

a. Light microscope

b. Scanning electron microscope

c. Transmission electron microscope

d. Light microscope and fluorescent dyes

The cells of an ant and an elephant are, on average, the same small size; an elephant just has more of them. What is the main advantage of small cell size? (Explain your reasoning.)

a. A small cell has a larger plasma membrane surface area than does a large cell.

b. Small cells can better take up sufficient nutrients and oxygen to service their cell volume.

c. It takes less energy to make an organism out of small cells.

d. Small cells require less oxygen than do large cells.

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Textbook Question

Which of the following clues would tell you whether a cell is prokaryotic or eukaryotic?

a. The presence or absence of a rigid cell wall

b. Whether or not the cell is partitioned by internal membranes

c. The presence or absence of ribosomes

d. Both b and c are important clues