Question

answer the following questions in your own words. you may use your notes. 1. what is the function of the cell membrane? 2. create an analogy for the cell membrane. what can you compare the cell membrane to? 3. how do you think the cell membrane keeps things inside of the cell and things outside of the cell?

Explanation:

1. The cell - membrane is a selectively permeable barrier. It controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell, protects the cell from its environment, and helps in cell - to - cell communication.
2. The cell membrane can be compared to a security guard at a building. Just as a security guard decides who can enter and leave the building, the cell membrane decides which substances can enter and leave the cell.
3. The cell membrane is selectively permeable due to its structure, which consists of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins. Small non - polar molecules can pass through the lipid bilayer, while larger or polar molecules require specific transport proteins to cross the membrane. This way, it can keep certain substances inside the cell and prevent others from entering, and vice versa.

Answer:

1. The cell membrane is a selectively permeable barrier that controls substance movement, protects the cell, and aids in cell - to - cell communication.
2. The cell membrane is like a security guard at a building, controlling entry and exit of substances.
3. The cell membrane's selective permeability, due to its phospholipid bilayer and embedded proteins, allows it to regulate what enters and leaves the cell.