The cell membrane is also known as a selectively permeable membrane because it allows selective substance to move inside the cell. It also helps in the recognition of certain chemicals.
Further Explanation:
The plasma membrane is the outermost layer of the cell. It forms the boundary between the intracellular and extracellular components. The main components of the plasma membrane are phospholipids, proteins, and carbohydrates. The phospholipids are arranged in a double-layer structure in which the head is present on the outside (water-loving) and the tail part is present inside the cell (water-hating). Proteins are present between phospholipids bilayer. These transmembrane proteins allow the molecules that could not enter the cell directly. The molecules pass by forming the channels, pores or gates. It also plays an important role in cell recognition, signaling and enzymatic activity. Carbohydrates are also present in the membrane, most of its part is found as glycoprotein. It helps in cell adhesion (cell attach to each other).
The functions of the cell membrane are:
1. It acts as a physical barrier: it physically separates the cytoplasm that makes up the cell from the extracellular fluid. It also allows separate activity to occur inside and outside the cell.
2. It allows selective permeability. The certain molecules can through them. Water, oxygen and carbon dioxide can easily move through the membrane. It does not allow ions such as potassium and sodium and other polar molecules to pass through them.
3. It also helps in facilitating the communication and signaling between cells.
Learn More:
1. Learn more about the treatment of eukaryotic cell with a drug
2. Learn more about the proteins synthesis in a cell
3. Learn more about an exchange of gases by blood cells
Answer Details:
Grade: High School
Subject: Biology
Chapter: Structure ofCell
Keywords:
Cell membrane, selective, permeable, recognition, intracellular, extracellular, phospholipids, protein, carbohydrate, enzymatic, signaling, glycoprotein
