Question

What is a mesosome in a prokaryotic cell? Mention the function that it performs.

Answer 1

Hint: Mesosomes are intracytoplasmic membranous structures. They are vesicular, convoluted or multi-laminated structures, formed as invaginations of the plasma membrane into the cytoplasm. They contain vesicles, tubules or lamellar whorls.

Complete Answer:
- A mesosome is an infolding in the cell membrane of a prokaryotic cell. It normally carries out the function of respiration in a prokaryotic cell and contains enzymes required for the same.
- When a mesosome is in link with the nucleoid of the bacteria, it is referred as a septal mesosome and it helps to form the plasma membrane during the division of the bacteria.
- Mesosome is a complicated membranous structure developed in a prokaryotic cell by the infolding of the plasma membrane.

Its main functions are given below-
1) Mesosome extensions support in the formation of the cell wall and in DNA replication.
2) They also assist the equal separation of chromosomes in the daughter cells.
3) Mesosomes increase the surface area of the plasma membrane to perform several enzymatic functions.
4) It is also supported in various secretion methods as well as in respiration of bacteria.

Note: Mesosomes are membranous invaginations of plasma membranes. They assist in formation of cell walls, DNA replication and distribution to daughter nuclei. They also assist in secretion and respiration. Mesosomes are found in gram positive bacteria.