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it controls what enters and exits the cell

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It holds the cell contents together and forms a barrier between these contents and what is outside the cell. It also has structures in it that allow for the controlled transport of specific substance into and out of the cell.

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7y ago

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9mo ago

The cell membrane acts as a barrier, regulating the passage of materials in and out of the cell. It also helps maintain the cell's shape and provides structural support. Additionally, the cell membrane contains proteins that facilitate cell-cell communication and recognition.

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11y ago

Basically to keep the insides in. But it is not just a passive skin. it is actually a fluid bilayer of lipids with hydrophilic ends on the outside. This membrane is thus active, being penetrated by protein complexes that determine what substances are allowed in and what is allowed out.

Also, the outer layer is occupied by glycoproteins that have attached sugars, and these act as a kind of fingerprint of the cell, allowing it to be recognised by other cells and important compounds like hormones. It lets some molecules in and keeps some out For example, the cell membranes of the villi in the small intestine let nutrient molecules into the bloodstream, but leave the large ones out.

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12y ago

The cell membrane is semi-permeable and its function is to control the materials going in or out of the cell.

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14y ago

it is the boundary between the cell and the cell membrane and it controls movement of substances in and out

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13y ago

the cell membrane is inchargge of what occurs inside the cell and lets other cells enter

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Q: What role does a cell membrane play in a cell?
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What role do membranes play in prokaryotes?

Prokaryotic cells do not have membrane bound organelles. The membrane controls the movement in and out of the cell.


What role do the cell wall and cell membrane play in a cell?

It is important to remember the following: Animal cell: Cell membrane, Plant cell: Cell membrane, cell wall. The role of a cell membrane is to monitor what exits and enters the cell and therefore maintain the internal environment of it, to contain the contents of the cell and to provide some sort of protection for it. The role of a cell wall which is unique only to plant cells, is to protect the cell inside and lend support to it so it can maintain its stucture.


What is the function of the specific carbohydrates that are attached to the cell membrane?

Carbohydrates on the cell membrane play a role in cell recognition and communication with other cells. They can also act as receptors for signaling molecules and help stabilize membrane protein structures. Additionally, these carbohydrates can be involved in immune response and can play a role in determining blood type.


What are organelles that play a major role in the cell division?

The cell membrane. But if the cell is a plant cell, the cell membrane and cell wall work together to accomplish this task.


What are some of the lipids found in a Cell membrane?

Some of the lipids found in a cell membrane include phospholipids (such as phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine), glycolipids, and cholesterol. These lipids play a crucial role in maintaining the structure and function of the cell membrane.

Related questions

What role does an integral membrane protein play in the structure and function of a cell membrane?

Integral membrane proteins are embedded within the cell membrane and play a crucial role in maintaining the structure and function of the membrane. They help regulate the passage of molecules in and out of the cell, facilitate cell signaling, and provide structural support to the membrane. Overall, integral membrane proteins are essential for the proper functioning of the cell membrane.


What role of the cell membrane and cell wall play in the cell?

Separate the living organism from the nonliving environment around it.


What role do membranes play in prokaryotes?

Prokaryotic cells do not have membrane bound organelles. The membrane controls the movement in and out of the cell.


What role do the cell membrane play in the cell?

they work as a barrier: ions can't pass through. They also have a metabolic role: signaling, or communication (cell to cell interaction)


What role do recognition proteins play in the function of the plasma membrane?

Recognition proteins in the plasma membrane play a crucial role in identifying and interacting with other cells or molecules. They help in cell communication, immune response, and maintaining the overall integrity and function of the cell membrane.


What role do cell membrane play in prokaryotic cell In eukaryotic cell?

In Prokaryotic cells, membrane controls what enters and leaves the cell, they also give the cell a shape and keep organells together.


What role does cholesterol play in the cell membrane?

Cholesterol helps maintain the structure and fluidity of the cell membrane by preventing it from becoming too rigid or too fluid. It also plays a role in regulating the movement of molecules in and out of the cell.


What role do the cell wall and cell membrane play in a cell?

It is important to remember the following: Animal cell: Cell membrane, Plant cell: Cell membrane, cell wall. The role of a cell membrane is to monitor what exits and enters the cell and therefore maintain the internal environment of it, to contain the contents of the cell and to provide some sort of protection for it. The role of a cell wall which is unique only to plant cells, is to protect the cell inside and lend support to it so it can maintain its stucture.


What role do membrane play in prokaryotic cells in eukaryotic cell?

In Prokaryotic cells, membrane controls what enters and leaves the cell, they also give the cell a shape and keep organells together.


What is the function of the specific carbohydrates that are attached to the cell membrane?

Carbohydrates on the cell membrane play a role in cell recognition and communication with other cells. They can also act as receptors for signaling molecules and help stabilize membrane protein structures. Additionally, these carbohydrates can be involved in immune response and can play a role in determining blood type.


What are organelles that play a major role in the cell division?

The cell membrane. But if the cell is a plant cell, the cell membrane and cell wall work together to accomplish this task.


What is the role of integral membrane proteins in cellular function?

Integral membrane proteins play a crucial role in cellular function by serving as gatekeepers for molecules entering and exiting the cell, facilitating cell communication, and helping maintain cell structure and shape.