Question

Consider a human liver hepatocyte. Among the following membranes, which one has the largest total area?

1) Plasma membrane
2) Nuclear inner membrane
3) Mitochondrial outer membrane
4) Rough ER membrane
5) Smooth ER membrane

Answer 1

In a human liver hepatocyte, the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane generally has the largest total area due to the extensive and folded nature of this organelle, which is necessary for high rates of protein synthesis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question concerns the various membranes within a human liver hepatocyte and which one has the largest total area. Among the choices provided, the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane typically has the largest total area in a hepatocyte. Hepatocytes are known for their extensive rough ER due to the high rate of protein synthesis that occurs within these cells. The rough ER is involved in the synthesis of proteins which are then processed and transported through the Golgi apparatus, eventually reaching the plasma membrane or other destinations within or outside the cell. Although the plasma membrane encompasses the entire cell, and mitochondria are abundant and have both an outer and an inner membrane, the network of the rough ER within a cell generally covers a larger total area due to its extensive and folded nature.