Plasma Membrane
special boundary that helps control what enters and leads the cell.
The plasma membrane, also known as the cell membrane, is a thin layer of lipid and protein molecules that surrounds the cell and separates its internal environment from the external environment. It is a selectively permeable structure that allows certain substances to pass through while preventing others from entering or leaving the cell.
The primary function of the plasma membrane is to maintain the cell’s homeostasis by regulating the passage of nutrients, waste products, and other molecules in and out of the cell. The structure of the membrane is composed of a phospholipid bilayer, which is made up of two layers of phospholipid molecules that are arranged with their hydrophobic tails facing towards each other and their hydrophilic heads facing towards the aqueous solution on either side of the membrane.
The plasma membrane also contains various types of proteins, including transport proteins, receptor proteins, and enzymes that perform specific functions such as signaling and metabolic processes. Additionally, the membrane may contain carbohydrates that are attached to proteins or lipids and act as cell surface markers or participate in recognition and interactions with other cells.
Overall, the plasma membrane is a critical component of the cell that regulates its internal environment and enables proper communication and interaction with the external environment.
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