2. Definition
• The cell membrane (also known as the plasma
membrane (PM) or cytoplasmic membrane that
separates the interior of all cells from the outside
environment. The cell membrane consists of a lipid
bilayer, made up of two layers of phospholipids.
maintaining appropriate membrane fluidity at
various temperatures.
• The membrane also contains membrane proteins,
including integral proteins that span the membrane
• ENZYMES:- facilitate interaction with the cell's
environment.
• GLYCOLIPIDS:-embedded in the outer lipid layer
serve a similar purpose
3. Functions
I. They keep toxic substances out of the cell
II. They contain receptors and channels that allow specific molecules, such as
ions, nutrients, wastes, and metabolic products
III. They separate vital but incompatible metabolic processes conducted within
organelles.
IV. The cell membrane regulates the transport of materials entering and
exiting the cell.
V. The cell membrane is to regulate cell growth through the balance of
endocytosis and exocytosis.
4. structure
• The plasma membrane consists of
both lipids and proteins. The
fundamental structure of the membrane
is the phospholipid bilayer, which forms
a stable barrier between two aqueous
compartments. In the case of the
plasma membrane, these
compartments are the inside and the
outside of the cell. Proteins embedded
within the phospholipid bilayer carry out
the specific functions of the plasma
membrane, including selective transport
of molecules and cell-cell recognition.