Which of the following increases membrane permeability

Options

A. Catalase
B. Gelatinase
C. Amylase
D. Permease

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Membrane Permeability**:
- Membrane permeability refers to the ability of a cell membrane to allow substances to pass through it. This includes the entry of foreign materials into the cell.

2. **Evaluating the Options**:
- We have four options to consider: catalase, gelatinase, amylase, and permease.

3. **Analyzing Option 1 - Catalase**:
- Catalase is an enzyme found in peroxisomes that breaks down hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into water (H2O) and oxygen (O2). It does not influence membrane permeability.
- **Conclusion**: Catalase does not increase membrane permeability.

4. **Analyzing Option 2 - Gelatinase**:
- Gelatinase is an enzyme that hydrolyzes gelatin. Its function is specific to breaking down gelatin and does not relate to membrane permeability.
- **Conclusion**: Gelatinase does not increase membrane permeability.

5. **Analyzing Option 3 - Amylase**:
- Amylase is an enzyme that breaks down starch into maltose. While it plays a role in digestion, it does not affect the permeability of membranes.
- **Conclusion**: Amylase does not increase membrane permeability.

6. **Analyzing Option 4 - Permease**:
- Permease is a type of transport protein that facilitates the movement of substances across cell membranes. It directly contributes to increasing membrane permeability by allowing specific molecules to enter the cell.
- **Conclusion**: Permease increases membrane permeability.

7. **Final Answer**:
- The correct answer is **Option 4: Permease**, as it is the only option that increases membrane permeability.

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