Question

What are the advantages of flexibility of cell membrane?
A. It enables the cell to undergo exocytosis and endocytosis.
B. It makes the cell impermeable.
C. It makes the cell dead.
D. It has no role.

Answer 1

Hint: The plasma membrane of a cell defines the cell's border and controls how it interacts with the environment. Some chemicals are excluded from cells, while others are taken in and excreted in regulated amounts. Plasma membranes encircle the edges of cells, but they are not a static bag; rather, they are dynamic and in continual flux. The plasma membrane must be flexible enough for a large number of functions it serves.

Complete solution:
There are various functions of cell membrane and its flexibility helps in serving many of its functions. Let’s find the correct answer from the options.
Option: A - The cell membrane is flexible and can invaginate around a particle and allow it to enter the cell in a process called endocytosis. The cell membrane can also fuse with the vesicular membrane, allowing the contents of the vesicle to be released into the external environment in a process called exocytosis.
So, Option A is correct.
Option: B - Flexibility of plasma membrane does not affect its permeability.
Thus, option B is incorrect.
Option: C – Flexibility of plasma membrane has no relation with cell death which is a completely different event.
Thus, Option C is not correct.
Option: D – Flexibility of plasma membrane has a variety of functions so, it is not true that it has no role.
Thus, Option D is also incorrect.

Hence, option A. It enables the cell to undergo exocytosis and endocytosis is the correct answer.

Note:
Exocytosis and endocytosis are essential processes for transporting chemicals into and out of cells. Exocytosis is the process through which cells release proteins. Endocytosis is the process of bringing things into the cell. Certain protists and white blood cells may swallow very big particles via phagocytosis. Pinocytosis is the process by which cells continuously take in dissolved chemicals and liquids from the environment. Animal cells take in particular chemicals that can bind to specific receptors on their plasma membranes via receptor-mediated endocytosis.