Which statement correctly describes the plasma membrane?

Which statement correctly describes the plasma membrane?

• A. It surrounds the cell and encloses the contents.
• B. It is the primary site of ATP production.
• C. It stores genetic material.
• D. It digests fats.

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that the plasma membrane acts as the boundary of the cell, surrounding the cell and enclosing its contents. It forms a flexible barrier that separates the internal environment from the outside and regulates what can enter or leave, helping keep the cell’s internal conditions stable. This boundary role is why the statement about surrounding the cell and enclosing the contents is the best fit. The other statements describe other cell parts: ATP production happens mainly in mitochondria, genetic material is stored in the nucleus, and digestion of fats is carried out by digestive organelles like lysosomes or enzymes—functions not performed by the plasma membrane. The membrane does include components that help with transport and signaling, but its job is to control the cell’s boundary and exchange with the environment rather than generate energy, store DNA, or digest nutrients.

The main idea here is that the plasma membrane acts as the boundary of the cell, surrounding the cell and enclosing its contents. It forms a flexible barrier that separates the internal environment from the outside and regulates what can enter or leave, helping keep the cell’s internal conditions stable.

This boundary role is why the statement about surrounding the cell and enclosing the contents is the best fit. The other statements describe other cell parts: ATP production happens mainly in mitochondria, genetic material is stored in the nucleus, and digestion of fats is carried out by digestive organelles like lysosomes or enzymes—functions not performed by the plasma membrane. The membrane does include components that help with transport and signaling, but its job is to control the cell’s boundary and exchange with the environment rather than generate energy, store DNA, or digest nutrients.