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Q5:
What is a mesosome in a prokaryotic cell? Mention the functions that it performs.
Solution :
Definition and Structural Basis
A mesosome is a characteristic infolding of the plasma membrane into the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells, primarily observed in Gram-positive bacteria. Structurally, these are complex, membranous extensions consisting of vesicles, tubules, and lamellae [Per Cell Theory and Prokaryotic Ultrastructural Analysis].
Biological Functions of the Mesosome
The mesosome serves as a multifunctional organelle-like structure that compensates for the lack of specialized membrane-bound organelles in prokaryotes. Its primary functions include:
| Function | Biological Mechanism |
|---|---|
| Cell Wall Synthesis | Provides enzymatic sites for the synthesis of peptidoglycan components [Ref: Bacterial Physiology]. |
| DNA Replication | Acts as an attachment point for the bacterial chromosome, facilitating the segregation of daughter DNA molecules during cell division. |
| Cell Respiration | Contains respiratory enzymes (e.g., cytochromes and dehydrogenases) analogous to the inner mitochondrial membrane in eukaryotes [Ref: Bioenergetics]. |
| Secretory Processes | Increases the surface area of the plasma membrane, enhancing the efficiency of enzyme secretion and protein transport across the cell boundary. |
Analytical Summary
While early electron microscopy occasionally interpreted some mesosomal structures as artifacts of chemical fixation, contemporary biology acknowledges their role in critical physiological processes. They are essential for maintaining metabolic homeostasis, facilitating binary fission, and augmenting surface-to-volume ratio for biochemical exchange.
Final Solution: A mesosome is a specialized inward fold of the prokaryotic plasma membrane that functions as a site for cellular respiration, DNA replication, cell wall formation, and increased surface area for metabolic enzymatic activities.
More Questions from Class 11 Biology Cell – The Unit of Life EXERCISES
- Q1: Which of the following is not correct?
- Q2: New cells generate from
- Q3: Match the following Column I Column II (a) Cristae (i) Flat membranous sacs in stroma (b) Cisternae (ii) Infoldings in mitochondria (c) Thylakoids (iii) Disc-shaped sacs in Golgi apparatus
- Q4: Which of the following is correct:
- Q6: How do neutral solutes move across the plasma membrane? Can the polar molecules also move across it in the same way? If not, then how are these transported across the membrane?
- Q7: Name two cell-organelles that are double membrane bound. What are the characteristics of these two organelles? State their functions and draw labelled diagrams of both.
- Q8: What are the characteristics of prokaryotic cells?
- Q9: Multicellular organisms have division of labour. Explain.
- Q10: Cell is the basic unit of life. Discuss in brief.
- Q11: What are nuclear pores? State their function.
- Q12: Both lysosomes and vacuoles are endomembrane structures, yet they differ in terms of their functions. Comment.
- Q13(i): Describe the structure of the following with the help of labelled diagrams. (i) Nucleus
- Q13(ii): Describe the structure of the following with the help of labelled diagrams. (ii) Centrosome
- Q14: What is a centromere? How does the position of centromere form the basis of classification of chromosomes. Support your answer with a diagram showing the position of centromere on different types of chromosomes.
CBSE Solutions for Class 11 Biology Cell – The Unit of Life
Chapters in CBSE - Class 11 Biology
- The Living World
- Biological Classification
- Plant Kingdom
- Animal Kingdom
- Morphology of Flowering Plants
- Anatomy of Flowering Plants
- Structural Organisation in Animals
- Biomolecules
- Cell Cycle and Division
- Transport in Plants
- Mineral Nutrition
- Photosynthesis
- Respiration in Plants
- Plant Growth and Development
- Digestion and Absorption
- Breathing and Exchange of Gases
- Body Fluids and Circulation
- Excretory Products and Elimination
- Locomotion and Movement
- Neural Control and Coordination
- Chemical Coordination and Integration
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