Question

Which of the following differentiates the cell membranes of eukaryotes and prokaryotes?

• A. Prokaryotic cell membranes are thinner and contain more proteins.
• B. Eukaryotic cell membranes contain more proteins and larger phospholipids.
• C. Gases and water pass through a prokaryotic cell membrane at greater rates than through those of eukaryotes.
• D. Many functions that are compartmentalized within organelles of eukaryotes are associated with the cell membranes of prokaryotes.
• E. There are no significant differences in the structure or function of the cell membranes.

Answer 1

The correct option is D Many functions that are compartmentalized within organelles of eukaryotes are associated with the cell membranes of prokaryotes.

The lipid composition of prokaryotic and eukaryotic membranes differs considerably. Prokaryotic membranes have negatively charged lipids namely phosphatidylglycerol, cardiolipin and phosphatidylserine while the eukaryotic membranes are rich in neutral sphingomyelin and phosphatidylcholine. This different structural part imparts different functions to these membranes. Eukaryotic cells have different subcellular compartments to carry out various activities which are confined to cell membranes of prokaryotes as they lack membrane-bound compartments. So, the correct answer is option D.