Problem 102 - Objective Biology for NEET

Question

What is the component of middle lamella that puts the different binds neighbouring cells together? (a) Calcium phosphate (b) Sodium pectate (c) Calcium pectate (d) Sodium phosphate

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The component of the middle lamella that binds neighbouring cells together is calcium pectate.

Step 1: Understand the function of the middle lamella

The middle lamella serves as a cementing layer between plant cells, allowing for the adhesion of neighbouring cells.

Step 2: Understand the composition of the middle lamella

The middle lamella mainly consists of pectic compounds, specifically calcium pectate, which helps in binding the cells together.

Step 3: Identify the correct option

The correct option is therefore that which mentions calcium pectate, as it is the component that binds neighbouring cells together in the middle lamella.

Key Concepts

Plant Cell Adhesion

In the life of plants, the adhesion between cells is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of tissues and ultimately the plant as a whole. One of the key contributors to plant cell adhesion is the middle lamella, which acts like a glue to hold neighboring plant cells together.

Understanding this concept is essential for capturing how plants maintain their shape and support their structures against gravity and environmental stress. The middle lamella, rich in pectins, is particularly important during the growth and development of plants, as it influences the rigidity and flexibility of the plant tissue. This adhesion is not only fundamental for plant form but also for various physiological processes such as the passage of nutrients and water between cells.

When diving deeper into the cellular level, knowing about cell adhesion helps us comprehend the mechanisms of plant growth, how plants resist disease, and how they respond to their environment, which are all pivotal in advanced biology studies and exams like the NEET.

Calcium Pectate

The middle lamella is renowned for its richness in a substance called calcium pectate. This is a calcium salt of pectic acid, which is a complex set of polysaccharides found in plant cell walls. As we delve into the importance of calcium pectate, we understand that it's the sticky material responsible for cell adhesion within plant tissues.

Calcium ions cross-link carboxyl groups of the polysaccharides, forming a strong but flexible gel-like network, making calcium pectate a crucial structural component. It is this network that helps bind the cells firmly together while allowing the wall to stretch during cell growth. Also, it plays a vital role in plant defense, as the integrity of the cells' connections is primary in preventing pathogen invasion.

For students of biology, grasping the role of calcium pectate aids in understanding not only the cellular cohesion but also aspects related to plant pathology, ultimately enriching their knowledge for competitive exams like the NEET.

NEET Biology Preparation

When preparing for competitive exams such as the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), which is paramount for students aspiring to enter medical fields, focussing on concepts like plant cell adhesion and understanding compounds like calcium pectate becomes non-negotiable.

NEET biology preparation involves comprehensive study and understanding of plant physiology and biochemistry, involving detailed concepts like the role of the middle lamella in cell adhesion. Aspiring students should highlight and focus on these technical details, as questions often delve into the microscopic aspects of biology.

Preparation involves not only memorization but also the ability to apply concepts to solve problems. Practicing questions that tackle cell-to-cell interactions and the chemical composition of cellular structures will serve in fostering a deeper understanding and are likely to be essential for securing high marks on this rigorous exam.