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Membrane are never seen to have a free edge; they are always continuous, unbroken structures.

a.True
b.False

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Biological membranes are continuous and involved in important functions such as selective permeability and homeostasis, with different regions exhibiting asymmetry. Transport proteins are often necessary for the passage of polar molecules, and the endomembrane system includes the interconnected nuclear membrane and rough endoplasmic reticulum. Therefore, the given statement is FALSE.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement about membrane continuity can be answered as false. Biological membranes, such as the plasma membrane or the nuclear membrane, are indeed continuous, unbroken structures that do not have free edges in the context of normal, healthy cells. These membranes serve as critical boundaries and are involved in a variety of functional activities, such as selectively allowing the passage of substances in and out of cells and organelles.

For example, the nuclear membrane is considered a part of the endomembrane system because it is continuous with the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Moreover, the plasma membrane's permeability is not absolute for all substances. While it is selectively permeable, transport proteins are often required for the transit of polar molecules.

Biological membranes are not homogenous; they show asymmetry and are composed of various proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates that are organized in a way that affects their fluidity and selective permeability. The dynamic nature of cell membranes is essential, as molecules must be constantly moved across them to maintain homeostasis, a process that can involve facilitated transport and active transport mechanisms which are accompanied by diffusion moving solutes in opposing directions.

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