Question

which structure separates an animal cell from its surrounding environment? (1 point)
○ golgi apparatus
○ nuclear membrane
○ plasma membrane
○ central vacuole

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Golgi apparatus: Modifies and packages proteins, not for cell - environment separation.
• Nuclear membrane: Separates the nucleus from the cytoplasm, not the cell from the environment.
• Plasma membrane: It is the outer boundary of an animal cell, controlling what enters and exits, thus separating the cell from its surroundings.
• Central vacuole: Found mainly in plant cells, stores substances, not in animal cells for this function.

Answer:

C. plasma membrane