The function of the cell membrane in biology explained
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Transcript
Every cell, whether it swims freely in a drop of water or is part of a larger plant or animal, has a life of its own. To survive it must consume food and get rid of waste products.
Water has been removed from these cells. Left this way they would soon die. But when water is available, it is quickly taken into the cell.
Pumping material in and out of the cell is a job of the cell membrane. When water is taken into the cell, the cell volume increases, and the cell membrane expands. In this way the cell membrane works to keep the cell alive and functioning properly.
In plants the cells are surrounded by another structure: the cell wall. The cell wall gives protection to plant cells and helps them maintain their shape.
Water has been removed from these cells. Left this way they would soon die. But when water is available, it is quickly taken into the cell.
Pumping material in and out of the cell is a job of the cell membrane. When water is taken into the cell, the cell volume increases, and the cell membrane expands. In this way the cell membrane works to keep the cell alive and functioning properly.
In plants the cells are surrounded by another structure: the cell wall. The cell wall gives protection to plant cells and helps them maintain their shape.