Question

Which eukaryotic cell orgenelles are physically connected?

What advantages/benefits does the phospholipid bilayer provide to a cell?

Answer 1

Which eukaryotic cell orgenelles are physically connected?

The eukaryotic cell organelles that belong to the endomembrane system are physically connected to each other. Endomembrane system is a series of interconnected membranous tubules, sacs, vesicles etc. This system includes endoplasmic reticulum, glogi body, lysosomes and vesicles. This system is important for transport of materials that can be transported by diffusion alone. The endoplasmic reticulum is a series of interconnected tubules and cisternae surrounded by a single lipid bilayer. There are two types of endoplasmic reticulum; Rough and smooth. Endoplasmic reticulum helps in the processing and packaging of polypeptides to form functional proteins. It is also involved in the biosynthesis of lipids etc.

Golgi apparatus comprises of membranous discs called dictyosomes which are surrounded by a single lipid biayer and stacked over each other. These are responsible for further packaging and processing such as glycosylation of proteins and lipids etc. obtained from the endoplasmic reticulum.

Lysosomes are membrane bound organelles that contain the digestive enzymes for breakdown of various components such as food particles, cellular components etc.

What advantages/benefits does the phospholipid bilayer provide to a cell?

Plasma membrane or the phospholipid bilayer provides a boundary to the cell from external environments. It protects the cell from outside pathogens and is involved in signal transduction as well as cell to cell signalling. It also regulates the transport of molecules and information into and outside of the cell.