Cell Membrane

Cell membranes protect/separate the inside contents of the cell from the outside environment.

Structure

A cell membrane comprises a lipid bilayer containing proteins.

Function

  • Protection
  • Selectively permeable
    • Control traffic that goes in and out of cell
  • Cell adhesion
  • Ion conductivity
  • Cell signaling
  • Attachment surface for several extracellular structures (e.g. the cell wall)