Name: Bricks of Body - Cell
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 4 min 20 s
Description: Learn about the anatomy of cells, their different parts, and their functions in keeping the body functioning. Have fun watching and learning.

Question

Give any five functions of the plasma membrane found in prokaryotic cells.

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cells are primitive cells with a simpler cellular organisation. A prokaryotic cell is composed of its genetic material, cellular envelope, cytoplasm, nucleoid, inclusion bodies, ribosomes, flagella, pili, etc. The cellular envelop is the outermost covering of a prokaryotic cell that provides mechanical support and protection from any shocks and injuries. It is composed of three layers, such as glycocalyx, cell wall, and plasma membrane.

Plasma membrane: It is a semipermeable and innermost layer of the cellular envelope.

Various functions of a prokaryotic plasma membrane are:
(i) It enables the cell to interact with the outside environment.
(ii) It regulates the exchange of materials between the cytoplasm and extracellular medium.

(iii) Being a semipermeable membrane, it selectively allows specific molecules or ions to pass through it.
(iv) Bacterial plasma membrane is hydrophobic due to the presence of lipid bilayer. This hydrophobicity prevents the leakage of the cellular components outside the cell.

(v) The plasma membrane aids in maintaining cellular homeostasis, which is the state of stability or equilibrium.

Give any five functions of the plasma membrane found in prokaryotic cells.

Important Questions on Cell : The Unit of Life

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