Question

question 12
an animal cell lacking carbohydrates on the external surface of its plasma membrane would likely be impaired in which function?
transporting substances against their concentration gradient
maintaining the fluidity of the phospholipid bilayer
transporting substances by passive transport
cell - cell recognition

Explanation:

Carbohydrates on the plasma membrane are crucial for cell - cell recognition. They act as identification tags. Transporting substances against the concentration gradient (active transport) and by passive transport mainly involve transport proteins. Cholesterol is important for maintaining the fluidity of the phospholipid bilayer. Since the question is about the function impaired due to lack of carbohydrates on the plasma membrane, cell - cell recognition is the key function related to membrane - bound carbohydrates.

Answer:

cell - cell recognition