Which is the MOST accurate statement comparing cell membranes and cell walls?

Question

A.
Cell walls prevent everything from entering the cell, while cell membranes allow some things to enter.

B.
Cell membranes function mostly as selectively permeable gatekeepers, while cell walls function mainly as support systems.

C.
Cell membranes are found only in animal cells; cell walls are found only in plant cells.

D.
Cell walls function mostly for photosynthesis, while cell membranes function mostly for cellular respiration.

Answer 1

The MOST accurate statement comparing cell membranes and cell walls is:

B. Cell membranes function mostly as selectively permeable gatekeepers, while cell walls function mainly as support systems.

This statement correctly describes the primary functions of cell membranes and cell walls, as cell membranes regulate what enters and exits the cell (selective permeability), while cell walls provide structural support and protection, particularly in plant cells.

The other options contain inaccuracies:

• A is incorrect because cell walls do not necessarily prevent everything from entering; they allow certain materials to pass through.
• C is incorrect because cell membranes are present in all cells (both plant and animal), and cell walls are present in plant cells, fungi, and some prokaryotes.
• D is incorrect because photosynthesis occurs in chloroplasts, not in cell walls, and cellular respiration occurs in mitochondria, not cell membranes specifically.