outline 2 properties of plasma membrane

BNO TeamApril 22, 2025

Answered

• Selective Permeability

  • The plasma membrane regulates the entry and exit of substances, allowing only specific molecules to pass through.

  • This selective permeability is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and enabling processes like nutrient uptake and waste removal.

  • It ensures that essential molecules enter the cell while harmful substances are excluded.

  • The membrane’s selective permeability is facilitated by its lipid bilayer structure and embedded proteins.

• Fluidity

  • The plasma membrane exhibits a fluid-like nature, allowing its components to move laterally within the layer.

  • This fluidity is essential for membrane flexibility, enabling the cell to change shape and facilitating processes like endocytosis and exocytosis.

  • The fluidity is influenced by factors such as temperature and the composition of fatty acids in the phospholipids.

  • Cholesterol molecules interspersed within the membrane help modulate its fluidity, maintaining optimal conditions for cellular function.