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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
The plasma membrane contains several different types of proteins, including integral proteins, peripheral proteins, and lipid-anchored proteins.
Function[edit | edit source]
The plasma membrane protects the cell from its external environment, mediates cellular transport, and transmits cellular signals.
Transport[edit | edit source]
The plasma membrane is selectively permeable and regulates the movement of substances in and out of cells.
Cell signaling[edit | edit source]
The plasma membrane is involved in a variety of cellular processes, including cell adhesion and signaling.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
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Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD