Plasma membrane

Plasma Membrane

The Plasma Membrane or cell membrane is a biological membrane that separates the interior of all cells from the outside environment. It is composed of a lipid bilayer with embedded proteins that may constitute close to 50% of membrane content.

Structure

The plasma membrane is primarily composed of proteins and lipids. The fundamental structure of the membrane is the Phospholipid bilayer, which forms a stable barrier between two aqueous compartments.

Lipid bilayer

The Lipid bilayer is a universal component of all cell membranes. Its role is critical because of its function as a semi-permeable barrier.

Membrane proteins

The plasma membrane contains several different types of proteins, including integral proteins, peripheral proteins, and lipid-anchored proteins.

Function

The plasma membrane protects the cell from its external environment, mediates cellular transport, and transmits cellular signals.

Transport

The plasma membrane is selectively permeable and regulates the movement of substances in and out of cells.

Cell signaling

The plasma membrane is involved in a variety of cellular processes, including cell adhesion and signaling.

See also

• Cell biology
• Cell wall
• Cytoplasm
• Endoplasmic reticulum
• Golgi apparatus
• Mitochondrion
• Nucleus (cell)

References

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