Which of the following describe the role of the cell membrane? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY.

Question

Responses

Give instructions on how to build a protein.
Give instructions on how to build a protein.

Provide insulation for the cell.
Provide insulation for the cell.

Protect the cell from shrinking or swelling under normal circumstances (not in hypertonic or hypotonic solutions)
Protect the cell from shrinking or swelling under normal circumstances (not in hypertonic or hypotonic solutions)

Provide a shape for the cell.
Provide a shape for the cell.

Answer 1

The following options describe the role of the cell membrane:

1. Protect the cell from shrinking or swelling under normal circumstances (not in hypertonic or hypotonic solutions) - The cell membrane helps maintain the cell's shape and internal environment by controlling the movement of substances in and out of the cell, thereby protecting it from osmotic changes.

2. Provide a shape for the cell - The cell membrane contributes to the overall shape of the cell and is part of the structure that keeps the cell intact.

The other options do not accurately describe the role of the cell membrane:

• Give instructions on how to build a protein: This function is primarily performed by DNA and RNA, not by the cell membrane.

• Provide insulation for the cell: While the cell membrane does have lipid components that can act as a barrier, its primary function is not insulation.

So the correct selections are:

• Protect the cell from shrinking or swelling under normal circumstances (not in hypertonic or hypotonic solutions)
• Provide a shape for the cell.