Verified Solution Biology Cell: The Unit of Life

A plant cell is genetically engineered to produce a defective cellulose synthase enzyme. Which of the following would be the most immediate and significant consequence?

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Solution ✔ Verified
  • AInability to form a functional cell wall, leading to cell lysis in hypotonic conditions.
  • BImpaired photosynthesis due to disruption of chloroplast structure.
  • CAccumulation of unpolymerized cellulose precursors within the cytoplasm.
  • DDisruption of the mitotic spindle formation during cell division.
Explanation

Cellulose synthase is essential for the synthesis of cellulose, which is the primary structural component of the plant cell wall. A defective enzyme would prevent proper cell wall formation, making the cell vulnerable to lysis in hypotonic conditions.

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