Question

How we can get the egg membrane? (a) Remove yolk and albumin through a small hole at one end of the egg (b) Place the shell in dilute HCl for few hours (c) Both (a) and (b) (d) None of these

Short answer

Option (c) 'Both (a) and (b)' is the correct method.

Step-by-step solution

Eliminating incorrect options

Starting with a quick elimination, option (d) 'None of these' can be eliminated since we know for sure that the egg membrane can be obtained. Hence, option D is not a viable answer.

Checking individual steps

Option (a) involves removing the yolk and albumin, which is a legitimate method to expose the egg membrane. This method allows us to separate internal content from the shell and membrane. Similarly, option (b) suggests placing the shell in dilute HCl for a few hours, this should remove the calcium carbonate shell layer, leaving the egg membrane. Therefore, both procedures are a part of obtaining the egg membrane.

Confirming the answer

As both procedures, namely removing yolk and albumin and treating the shell with dilute HCl are needed to obtain the egg membrane, Option (c) 'Both (a) and (b)' is correct. Therefore, to derive the egg membrane, one must first remove the egg content followed by a treatment of the shell with dilute HCl.

Key concepts

NEET Biology

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a key examination for students in India who aspire to pursue a career in the medical field. NEET Biology is an essential component of this exam, comprising half of the question paper and encompassing diverse topics from the biological sciences, including genetics, physiology, ecology, and more.

To succeed in NEET Biology, students must not only memorize vast amounts of information but also apply their understanding to practical scenarios. For example, understanding how to extract an egg membrane may seem a trivial task, but it integrates basic scientific principles and laboratory techniques, which are crucial for various experiments and procedures in Biology.

Through tackling exercises that include the extraction of the egg membrane, students refine their practical skills and are able to visualize complex biological structures and processes. This ability to connect theoretical knowledge with practical experiments is central to NEET Biology and forms the foundation of medical education.

Egg Membrane Structure

An egg's membrane may appear simple, but it is a composite structure with a significant role. The membrane lies just beneath the hard calcium carbonate shell, and it is composed of two layers – the outer and inner membranes. These layers are made predominantly of protein fibers, chiefly keratin, and they serve as a defense mechanism against bacterial invasion.

The inner membrane is the one that is in direct contact with the albumin (egg white), and it provides a secure environment for the embryo in fertilized eggs. The structural intricacies of egg membranes can be fascinating, as they exhibit selective permeability, allowing gases and moisture to pass through while keeping harmful substances out. In biological studies, understanding the structure of the egg membrane is vital as it relates to topics such as osmosis, diffusion, and membrane permeability, which are frequently tested in NEET Biology.

Biological Experimental Techniques

Biological experimental techniques encompass a broad array of procedures and protocols used in laboratory settings to investigate the principles of life. In the context of NEET Biology and practical biological education, handling techniques such as membrane extraction are fundamental. These techniques foster a deeper understanding of the experimental process and enhance the student's ability to conduct scientific inquiry.

Egg membrane extraction is an example of a simple yet informative experiment that illustrates the separation of biological materials. It involves physical separation methods and chemical treatments, such as using dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl) to dissolve the calcium carbonate shell. This not only demonstrates a chemical reaction but also gives insight into how different substances interact with biological tissues.

Students learn to manipulate delicate structures with precision, a skill indispensable for aspiring biologists and medical professionals. Moreover, these hands-on experiences lay the groundwork for more advanced techniques they may encounter in their future educational and career paths, such as cell culture, genetic engineering, and microscopy.