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Cellular membranes, also known as plasma membranes, are biological membranes that separate and protect the interior of a cell from the outside environment. They are the outermost cell organ and act as a barrier and gate to control the transportation of materials and information between the cytoplasm and the external environment. Cell membranes are made up of a lipid bilayer that is semipermeable. The major components of the cell membrane are phospholipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and other lipids such as cholesterol. Cell membranes regulate the transport of materials entering and exiting the cell. Some forms of transport require no energy to perform, and these mechanisms are called passive transport. The most common forms of passive transport are diffusion and osmosis
Cell membranes have several functions, including: Physical barrier Selective permeability Endocytosis and exocytosis Cell signaling Providing support and maintaining the shape of the cell Helping in regulating cell growth through the balance of endocytosis and exocytosis
Topics include: Membrane Lipids & Fluidity, Plasma Membrane, Membrane Potential, Membranes Composition, Membrane Protein Structure, & Cell Membranes Movement.
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