Function of Vitelline Membrane in Egg

The vitelline membrane of an egg separates:

Correct Answer: Yolk from albumin

The vitelline membrane is a thin, transparent membrane that surrounds the yolk and separates it from the surrounding albumin (egg white).

Structure of the Egg — Layer by Layer (outside in)

1. Cuticle (Bloom): Outermost protein layer sealing pores; applied in uterus.
2. Shell: Hard calcium carbonate layer.
3. Outer shell membrane
4. Inner shell membrane (these two membranes together = 11% of egg weight with shell)
5. Air cell: Between the two shell membranes at broad end.
6. Albumin (egg white): 4 layers — outer thin, outer thick, inner thin, inner thick (Chalaziferous layer).
7. Vitelline membrane: Surrounds and separates the yolk from albumin ✔
8. Yolk: 31% of egg weight.
9. Germinal disc (Blastoderm/Blastodisc)

Why Other Options Are Wrong

• Albumin from shell membrane → this is done by the shell membranes themselves (inner and outer).
• Albumin from egg shell → egg shell surrounds everything; there is no direct membrane between albumin and shell.