Question

The term plasmalemma was coined by
A. Robertson
B. Plowe
C. Strasburger
D. Overton

Answer 1

Plasmalemma can be defined as a membrane which bounds a cell and separates the exterior and interior of the cell.

Complete Answer:
Plasmalemma is also known as plasma membrane. A plasma membrane is a phospholipid bilayer which separates the interior of the cell i.e. the cell organelles and cytoplasm from the outside environment.

- Option A: David Roberston gave the ‘unit membrane model’ in 1959, but he was not the one who coined the term plasmalemma. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.
- Option B: Janet Plowe gave the term ‘plasmalemma’. Therefore, this is the correct option. She was a biologist and she described the plasmalemma or plasma membrane as a physical membrane which was present as a membrane between two liquids.
- Option C: Adolf Strasburger was a German plant cytologist who had established cytology as a separate field of science. He is also known as the ‘father of modern plant cell biology’. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.
- Option D: Ernest Overton was a biologist and physiologist who had done a great work on the theory of cell membrane but he was not the one who coined the term plasmalemma. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Thus, the correct option is C) Plowe..

Note: The function of plasmalemma or plasma membrane is as follows,
- It protects the cell from external environments.
- It gives shape and structure to the cell.
- It is composed of a phospholipid bilayer which is semi permeable, thereby allowing movement of substances inside and outside the cell.
- It does not permit entry of foriegn particles inside the cell.