Question

The chemical studies on cell membrane that was deduced to its possible structure was mostly done on which cells? (a) \(\mathrm{WBC}\) (b) Human erythrocytes (c) Platelets (d) Cheek cells

Short answer

The most common cells used in chemical studies on cell membranes are (b) Human erythrocytes.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Types of Cells

Firstly, be aware of the different types of cells listed - (a) White Blood Cells (WBC), (b) Human erythrocytes (also known as red blood cells), (c) Platelets (cell fragments that play an important role in blood clotting) and (d) Cheek cells.

Recall information on Cell Membrane Studies

Consider cellular biology and cell membrane studies. For this, recall that scientists often prefer cells with large surface area with little to no internal structure hindering the cell membrane.

Select the Most Likely Answer

Based on step 2, human erythrocytes, or red blood cells, are the perfect candidates for such studies. These cells are essentially 'bags' of hemoglobin with very little internal structures and a large surface area-to-volume ratio, making them ideal for membrane studies. So, the correct answer is (b) Human erythrocytes.

Key concepts

Human Erythrocytes

Human erythrocytes, commonly referred to as red blood cells (RBCs), serve as the cellular highway of oxygen transport from the lungs to the various tissues of the body. In addition to their crucial role in oxygen delivery, erythrocytes are also significant contributors to carbon dioxide removal.

Red blood cells are characterized by their biconcave shape and lack of a nucleus, which maximizes space for the oxygen-carrying molecule, hemoglobin, and provides a wide surface area for gas exchange. This extensive surface area and simplicity are precisely why scientists have extensively studied the biochemistry of their membranes.

Their structure permits flexibility to navigate through the narrow capillaries. Furthermore, with a lifespan of about 120 days, human erythrocytes demonstrate the dynamic capacity of cellular membranes to maintain integrity and function over prolonged periods.

Cellular Biology

Cellular biology, the study of cell structure, function, and life cycle, is fundamental to understanding how organisms live, develop, and interact with their environment.

All cells share common components such as a membrane, cytoplasm, and genetic material, yet they can differ vastly in complexity and function. While some cells like prokaryotes are simple and lack a nucleus, eukaryotic cells, which make up human tissue, are complex with organelles including a nucleus.

In terms of cell membrane studies, cellular biology provides the framework for understanding how the membrane controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell, maintains cellular stability, and communicates with other cells—all vital for the cell's survival and overall health of an organism.

Biochemistry of Cell Membranes

The biochemistry of cell membranes delves into the complex structure and dynamic functions that allow the membrane to act as a selective barrier for the cell.

Biological membranes primarily consist of a double layer of phospholipids with embedded proteins. This lipid bilayer sets up a hydrophobic or 'water-fearing' interior with hydrophilic or 'water-loving' exterior surfaces. Such an arrangement is critical for maintaining cellular integrity and controlling the flow of materials.

Proteins within the membrane serve various essential functions, from acting as channels and carriers, facilitating the transport of molecules, to functioning as receptors that relay external signals into the cell. This combination of lipids and proteins in the cell membrane is essential for cellular signaling, energy transduction, and maintaining the cell's internal environment against the external world.