Why does the study of cell membranes lead to a better understanding of
cell function?

Biology 1 EOC Assessment Sample Questions
6. The sodium‐potassium ion pump found in some cell membranes is made of which of
the following basic structural components?
A amino acids
B fatty acids
C monosaccharides

D nucleotides
7. What is a primary function of the cell membrane?
A determining genetic traits
B defending against foreign particles
C breaking down proteins for energy
D generating energy from mineral nutrients
8.
A All cell functions occur in the cell membrane.
B All energy transfers occur at the cell membrane.
C All cell membranes contain the information for making proteins.

D All materials needed for cell functions must pass through the cell membrane.

Answers

Answered by GPT-4o mini
### Why does the study of cell membranes lead to a better understanding of cell function?

The study of cell membranes is crucial to understanding cell function because cell membranes serve as the boundary between the cell and its environment, regulating what enters and exits the cell. This selective permeability is essential for maintaining homeostasis within the cell and allowing for various biochemical reactions to occur. Additionally, cell membranes house a variety of proteins that play key roles in communication, transport, signaling, and maintaining structural integrity. By examining the composition and properties of cell membranes, researchers can gain insights into how cells interact with their environment and how they carry out essential functions.

### Answers to Sample Questions:

6. **The sodium‐potassium ion pump found in some cell membranes is made of which of the following basic structural components?**
- **A amino acids**
- **Explanation**: The sodium-potassium pump is a protein that is composed of amino acids. Proteins are made of long chains of amino acids, and the sodium-potassium pump actively transports sodium out of the cell and potassium into the cell, playing a critical role in maintaining cellular function and membrane potential.

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7. **What is a primary function of the cell membrane?**
- **B defending against foreign particles**
- **Explanation**: The cell membrane serves multiple functions, but one of its primary roles is to act as a barrier that protects the cell from harmful substances and foreign particles while regulating the movement of materials in and out of the cell. Other options do not accurately reflect primary cell membrane functions.

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8. **Which statement is true regarding cell functions and cell membranes?**
- **D All materials needed for cell functions must pass through the cell membrane.**
- **Explanation**: The cell membrane is responsible for controlling the entrance and exit of all substances, including nutrients, waste products, and signaling molecules. This selective permeability is vital for the proper functioning of the cell. The other statements are not accurate as they overgeneralize or misattribute functions to the cell membrane.

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