Chegg Textbook Solutions for Human Heredity 9th Edition: Chapter 2

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    In a eukaryotic cell (as opposed to bacterial cell) there are many structures, known as organelles, such as mitochondria, golgi apparatus, lysosome, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that are covered with a layer of fatty material known as plasma membrane. The cell itself has plasma membrane to protect itself from outside environment, and in case of multicellular organisms (e.g. plants and animals) communicate with other cells.

    Here are a few functions, which having plasma bound organelles can be useful:

    Organization and Specialization – plasma bound organelles help organize the function of the eukaryotic cell. E.g. a bacteria cell uses its own plasma membrane to generate ATP, whereas a eukaryotic cell can rely on its mitochondria for the same function.

    Protection – the nucleus is an important structure of a cell because it stores its genetic material the DNA. Having a membrane protects the nucleus from external environment.

    Tissue Specialization – in multicellular organisms such as humans different tissues have different types of cells. Not all cells look the same. For example, liver cells have a lot of smooth ER which helps to digest food and detoxify drugs and other materials. Muscle cells have a lot of mitochondria to produce energy. Without this different organization of function for each organelle it would be unfathomable how a multicellular organism such as human can exist.

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