Given below are two statements. One is labelled Assertion (A) and the other is labelled Reason (R).
Assertion (A): The fluid nature of the membrane is important from the point of view of functions like cell growth.
Reason (R): The fluid nature of membranes allows extension, which is essential for cell growth as well as division.
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below.

Assertion (A) is correct. The fluid nature of the cell membrane is due to the presence of phospholipids and other molecules that form the lipid bilayer. This fluidity is crucial for several cellular functions, including cell growth. The lipid bilayer allows the membrane to be flexible and dynamic, enabling the cell to undergo changes in shape and size.

Reason (R) is also true. During cell growth, cells need to expand and increase in size. The fluid nature of the membrane allows for this expansion, as the lipid molecules can move and the membrane can stretch. Additionally, during cell division, the membrane needs to undergo changes to accommodate the process of cytokinesis, where the cell divides into two daughter cells. The fluidity of the membrane is essential for these dynamic cellular processes.

Both the assertion (A) and the reason (R) are correct, and the reason (R) explains the assertion (A). The fluid nature of the membrane is important for functions like cell growth and division because it allows for the flexibility and extension of the membrane.