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What would happen if the plasma membrane ruptures or breaks down?

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: September 25th, 2023

If the plasma membrane ruptures or breaks down, the cell will leak its constituents leading to the death of the cell. It is the innermost semi-permeable membrane encircling the cytoplasm, made of bilayered phospholipids and related proteins. It carries respiratory enzymes and aids in energy production. It also regulates the flow of chemicals into and out of the cell.

Parts of a Plasma Membrane

  • The primary component of the membrane’s fabric is phospholipids.
  • Peripheral proteins are those that are located on the interior or outside of a phospholipid bilayer but not in the hydrophobic core.
  • Between the hydrophobic tails of the phospholipid membrane, cholesterol is folded.
  • Glycolipids and glycoproteins are created when carbohydrates are found to be joined to lipids or proteins on the extracellular side of the membrane.
  • It was discovered that integral proteins were implanted in the phospholipid bilayer.

Structure of a Plasma Membrane

Proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates make up the fluid mosaic that is the plasma membrane. The plasma membrane’s intricate structure is displayed in the image of the membrane that was previously provided. It can only pass through carriers, transmembrane channels, and pumps for ions and water-soluble compounds. Transmembrane proteins establish a transmembrane electrical potential, control the intracellular ion concentration, and provide the cell with nutrients. Cystic fibrosis is a human disease that can be caused by a change in a single amino acid in a Cl channel or plasma membrane pump. Lipids can make up anywhere between 20 and 80% of the membrane, with proteins making up the remaining parts, depending on where the membrane is located in the body.

A phospholipid bilayer, or two phospholipid layers placed back-to-back, makes up its structure. Phospholipids are lipids that include a phosphate group. The phospholipids have a head and two tails, with the head being polar and hydrophilic. Also, tails are nonpolar and hydrophobic or afraid of the water.

Rupture of Plasma Membrane

  • The cell will die if the plasma membrane ruptures because all of its cellular components will spill out.
  • Lysosomes may burst as a result, causing the breakdown of cell organelles.
  • After the plasma membrane has ruptured, external solutes may damage the cell organelles, which will cause cell death.

Summary:

What would happen if the plasma membrane ruptures or breaks down?

The cell will release its constituent parts if the plasma membrane ruptures or degrades, which will result in cell death. It is formed of bilayered phospholipids and associated proteins, and it is the innermost semi-permeable membrane enclosing the cytoplasm.

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