Cell membrane
The cell membrane is a living membrane that separates the inside of all cells from the outside environment. The
cell membrane is mostly sponge-like and controls the movement of substances in and out of cells. The basic function of the cell membrane is to protect the cell from its surroundings. Cell membranes are involved in a variety of necessary processes such as cell attachment, cell signaling and serve as the attachment surface for several other structures, including the cell wall, glycocalyx, and cytoskeleton.
The cell membrane surrounds the cytoplasm of living cells physically separating the components from the environment. Fungi, bacteria and plants also have the cell wall which provides mechanical support for the cell. The cell membrane also plays an important role in securing the cytoskeleton shape to the cell, and in attaching to the other cells to help group cells together to form tissues. |