Which of the following is NOT a function of the plasma membrane?

Study for the Penn Foster Biology – The Cell Test. Enhance your understanding with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each equipped with hints and explanations. Prepare to succeed on your exam!

The plasma membrane serves several key functions that are critical to the life of a cell. One of these functions is channeling, which involves the formation of channels that allow specific molecules to pass through the membrane, and transporting, which includes moving substances into and out of the cell. Additionally, the plasma membrane plays an important role in cell recognition, allowing cells to identify and interact with each other through the use of specific proteins and carbohydrates on its surface.

In contrast, photosynthesis is not a function of the plasma membrane. Photosynthesis occurs primarily in the chloroplasts of plant cells, where light energy is converted into chemical energy stored in glucose. While the plasma membrane is involved in transporting materials that may be utilized in the process (such as carbon dioxide and water), it does not perform the biochemical reactions of photosynthesis itself. Thus, identifying photosynthesis as an activity attributed to the plasma membrane is incorrect.

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