Question

What would happen if the plasma membrane ruptures or breaks down?

Answer 1

Hint: Plasma membrane which is also called the cell membrane is found in all living cells. It separates the internal part of the cell from the external environment. In bacteria and plants, there is a cell wall too that covers the cell membrane. The plasma membrane is semi-permeable and allows only certain components to pass on either side of its membrane.

Complete answer: Plasma membrane is made up of lipids and proteins mainly. It is the living part. Plasma membranes have a quasi-fluid nature. This nature of the plasma membrane was given by Singer and Nicolson through their fluid mosaic model. The plasma membrane provides protection to the cell. There are several functions that a cell membrane performs-
-Cell growth
-Cell division
-Formation of intercellular junctions
-Endocytosis
-Secretion
These functions are mainly due to the fluid nature of the plasma membrane. The cell membrane also provides some structural support to the cell. Some other functions that cell membranes perform are- cell signaling, endocytosis, and exocytosis selective permeability. Molecules like phospholipids, ion channels, ribosomes, and DNA form the double layer of the plasma membrane. Therefore, if the plasma membrane ruptures then all of the above-mentioned features would be affected adversely which would lead to cell dysfunction.

Note: No harmful or un-useful substances could cross the barrier formed by the cell membrane, in this way cells remain safe from foreign particles that could cause harm to the cell.
If the cell membrane will be absent or be ruptured then there will be no barrier for any external/foreign particles and therefore any substance will enter into the cell whether needed or not, this might result in in-
-Cell dysfunction
-Death of the cell
Thus, a cell membrane is very important for a plant cell to function properly.