Which part of the cell is responsible for controlling what enters and exits the cell?

Which part of the cell is responsible for controlling what enters and exits the cell?

• A. Nucleus
• B. Ribosome
• C. Cell membrane
• D. Cytoplasm

Answer: (C)

The cell membrane is responsible for controlling what enters and exits the cell. It acts as a selective barrier, allowing certain substances to pass while blocking others, thus maintaining the internal environment of the cell. This selective permeability is crucial for processes such as nutrient uptake, waste removal, and maintaining ion concentration. The structure of the cell membrane, which consists of a lipid bilayer with embedded proteins, enables it to function effectively in regulating the movement of materials in and out of the cell. Other components, such as the nucleus, ribosomes, and cytoplasm, have distinct roles in the cell. The nucleus houses the cell's genetic material and is involved in gene expression and replication. Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis and play a vital role in translating genetic information into functional proteins. The cytoplasm is the fluid that fills the cell and contains organelles, but it does not have a role in selectively controlling the passage of substances like the cell membrane does.

The cell membrane is responsible for controlling what enters and exits the cell. It acts as a selective barrier, allowing certain substances to pass while blocking others, thus maintaining the internal environment of the cell. This selective permeability is crucial for processes such as nutrient uptake, waste removal, and maintaining ion concentration. The structure of the cell membrane, which consists of a lipid bilayer with embedded proteins, enables it to function effectively in regulating the movement of materials in and out of the cell.

Other components, such as the nucleus, ribosomes, and cytoplasm, have distinct roles in the cell. The nucleus houses the cell's genetic material and is involved in gene expression and replication. Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis and play a vital role in translating genetic information into functional proteins. The cytoplasm is the fluid that fills the cell and contains organelles, but it does not have a role in selectively controlling the passage of substances like the cell membrane does.