The cell membrane is a fluid mosaic structure composed of a phospholipid bilayer with hydrophobic tails facing inward and hydrophilic heads facing outward. Embedded in this bilayer are transmembrane proteins that act as gates and channels to selectively control the passage of molecules like glucose and ions in and out of the cell through diffusion or active transport processes. The membrane surrounds intracellular structures like mitochondria, the Golgi apparatus, nucleus, lysosomes, and endoplasmic reticulum in eukaryotic cells.