Question

12. The cell membrane is most similar to
a. a. A metal suit of armor, keeping everything out
b. An empty space, letting everything in
c. A piece of mesh, keeping some things out and letting some things in
d. None of the above

Answer 1

Answer:

c. A piece of mesh, keeping some things out and letting some things in

Explanation:

The cell membrane of a cell is described as "selectively permeable". Permeable means things can go through it, but the word selectively is the important part. It lets things in, but it also keeps things out. This way it can regulate the different things that go in and out of the cell. It allows certain molecules that provide the cell nourishment and other things that help it function, and at the same time, it allows waste to move out of the cell. Not all needed molecules can go through the "mesh-like" membrane, that why some of them need help.