Cell Membrane Definition And Function

The membrane also contains membrane proteins including integral.

Cell membrane definition and function. The cell membrane also called the plasma membrane is found in all cells and separates the interior of the cell from the outside environment. It separates the cell from the external environment. The cell membrane is a multifaceted membrane that envelopes a cells cytoplasm.

A cell membrane is a fluid flexible barrier on the outside of a cell that protects it. The cell membrane is a biological membrane that separates the interior of all cells from the outside environment which protects the cell from its environment. Cell Membrane surrounds the cytoplasm and other organelles in it.

It controls the movement of substances in and out of the cells. The cell membrane functions as a barrier keeping cell constituents in and unwanted substances out and as a gate allowing transport into the cell of essential nutrients and movement from the cell of waste products. It is also simply called the cell membrane.

In 1972 two scientists SJ Singer and CL Nicolson proposed fluid mosaic model. The cell membrane consists of a lipid bilayer that is semipermeable. The plasma membrane comprises lipids and proteins.

Unlike Plasma Membrane other organelles do not perform such functions. The plasma membrane protects the cell from damage caused by environmental exposure. Although some cells produce a cell wall above the cell membrane the cell membrane is the only protective.

It is also known as the cell surface membrane or plasmalemma. The plasma membrane is the cells outermost layer in mammals although it is found behind the cell wall in plants fungi and some bacteria. A cell membrane functions as an enclosure for the internal organelles and protects them.