[Campbell Biology P.170] If the plant cell wall or the animal extracellular matrix ECM were ... | Practice Question

If the plant cell wall or the animal extracellular matrix ECM were completely impermeable, what significant effect would this have on cell function?

  • A: Cells would gain excessive water, leading to lysis.
  • B: Cells would be unable to exchange substances with their environment and with other cells.
  • C: The structural integrity of the cells would be significantly enhanced.
  • D: Cellular metabolism would accelerate due to increased internal pressure.

Explanation

The plant cell wall and animal extracellular matrix are crucial for regulating the passage of substances into and out of the cell, as well as for cell-cell communication. If they were completely impermeable, essential nutrients could not enter, and waste products could not exit, leading to cell death. Communication between cells would also be blocked.