What does the shell membrane do?

What does the shell membrane do?

• A. Aids calcium deposition
• B. Protects from bacterial penetration and air leaving egg
• C. Stores pigments
• D. Determines egg size

Answer: (B)

Shell membranes act as the first line of defense inside the egg, forming a semi-permeable barrier that helps keep bacteria out and reduces moisture and gas loss from the egg. This protection helps maintain freshness and safety, especially during storage and incubation, by limiting bacterial penetration while still allowing the shell’s pores to manage necessary gas exchange. The other options mix up where these functions come from: calcium deposition happens as the shell is formed in the shell gland, pigments are stored in the shell or cuticle layers, and egg size is determined by the hen’s development and genetics, not by the membranes.

Shell membranes act as the first line of defense inside the egg, forming a semi-permeable barrier that helps keep bacteria out and reduces moisture and gas loss from the egg. This protection helps maintain freshness and safety, especially during storage and incubation, by limiting bacterial penetration while still allowing the shell’s pores to manage necessary gas exchange. The other options mix up where these functions come from: calcium deposition happens as the shell is formed in the shell gland, pigments are stored in the shell or cuticle layers, and egg size is determined by the hen’s development and genetics, not by the membranes.