# Explain how the compartmentalisation provided by membrane-bound organelles benefits the eukaryotic cell.

> IB DP Biology Standard Level (2023 syllabus) — B2.2 Organelles and compartmentalisation · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Membranes create separate compartments that maintain distinct internal environments (e.g. different pH or ion concentrations) within the same cell.
2. This allows enzymes and substrates to be concentrated together, increasing the rate/efficiency of metabolic reactions.
3. Compartmentalisation prevents potentially harmful enzymes (e.g. hydrolytic enzymes in lysosomes) from damaging other cell components.
4. Separate compartments allow different, incompatible metabolic pathways to occur simultaneously within the same cell without interfering with each other.

## Key terms

- [compartmentalisation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/compartmentalisation)
- [membrane-bound organelle](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/membrane-bound-organelle)

## Related

- [Revision notes for IB DP Biology Standard Level (2023 syllabus)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-the-compartmentalisation-provided-by-dd023ea1) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.