Question

1. List the major functions of cell membranes.

2. State 3 characteristics of molecules that affect their ability to move through cell membranes.

3.  State 3 characteristics of membranes that determine their permeability.

4. Describe the structure, arrangement and functions of membrane lipids, membrane proteins and membrane carbohydrates.

Answer 1

1.

A cell membrane can be reffered to as a coating that envelops a cell and is made up of lipids and proteins. It segregates the constituents of the cell from its encircling neighborhood. A cell membrane can also be called as a plasma membrane. This membrane is said to be selectively penetrable as only some molecules are allowed to make entries and exits.

The cell membrane has various functions to perform. One of the function is that it acts as an obstruction which holds the content within the cell and keeps undesired entities at bay. Another function performed by the cell membrane is that it acts as a doorway that admits the shipment of the fundamental nourishment into the cell and transportation of debris out of the cell.

Some other functions of the cell membrane include acceptance of chemical signals from neighbouring cells, performance as a receptor and support provided for cell flexibility, cell discharge and cell assimilation.