Question

The best material for the study of structure of cell membrane is (a) \(\mathrm{RBC}\) of human (b) liver cell (c) kidney cell (d) muscle cell.

Short answer

The best material for the study of the structure of the cell membrane is (a) RBC of human.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Structure of the Cell Membrane

The structure of the cell membrane is best studied through a cell type that is easily accessible and where the cell membrane is clearly and prominently present.

Assessing Accessibility of Cells

Red Blood Cells (RBCs) of humans are the most accessible because they can be easily isolated from the blood, they are abundant, and their cell membranes are well studied.

Evaluating the Simplicity of the Cell Structure

RBCs lack a nucleus and other organelles, making their structure simpler and more focused on the cell membrane compared to other cell types like liver, kidney, and muscle cells.

Key concepts

Understanding Red Blood Cells (RBC)

Red Blood Cells, or RBCs, are the most common type of blood cell and are a key element in the transport of oxygen throughout the human body. Their primary purpose is to carry oxygen from the lungs to tissues and to facilitate the removal of carbon dioxide back to the lungs for exhalation.

Red Blood Cells have a unique structure characterized by their biconcave shape, which increases the cell's surface area to volume ratio. This adaptation enhances their ability to transport oxygen effectively. RBCs are also known for their rich hemoglobin content, which is the protein responsible for oxygen binding.

What makes RBCs particularly interesting from a biological and educational standpoint is their simplicity. They do not contain a nucleus or other organelles commonly found in other cells. This absence of complex internal structures makes RBCs an excellent subject when studying the cell membrane.

Cell Membrane Accessibility

Cell membrane accessibility is a crucial factor for researchers in observing and understanding the fundamental properties of cellular membranes. The cell membrane, or plasma membrane, serves as the boundary between the cell and its external environment, mediating the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

RBCs are considered ideal for studying the cell membrane due to their ease of isolation and the abundance in blood samples. Unlike the cells of solid organs like the liver or kidneys, RBCs can be obtained through simple, minimally invasive methods. Since RBCs are used frequently in laboratory tests, their cell membranes have been extensively studied, offering a wealth of data for educational purposes.

Furthermore, the membrane's accessibility in RBCs aids in conducting experiments. This is why they are often the preferred choice in educational settings when exploring subjects like membrane permeability and the effects of various solutions on cell integrity.

Cell Organelles and Their Simplicity

Cells are compartmentalized into various structures called organelles, each with their own specialized functions. Typically, a cell would have a nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and other organelles. However, this is not the case with mature Red Blood Cells.

In mature RBCs, organelles such as the nucleus are absent. This simplicity is attributed to their evolutionary adaptation to maximize space for hemoglobin and enhance their main function of oxygen transport. The absence of organelles makes RBCs exceptionally simple among cell types, providing a focused perspective on the plasma membrane's structure and function for educators and students alike.

The simplicity of RBCs also means there is less complexity to navigate when studying the biochemical activities that occur at the cell membrane. This allows students to better appreciate the vital role of the membrane without the additional complexity that other cellular components might introduce.