Question

what is the function of the plasma membrane

Answer 1

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The primary function of a plasma membrane is protecting the cell from the surrounding environment. Another function is it's selective permeability, which makes it able to control the movement of ions and organic molecules in and out the cell.

Answer 2

SOURCE: Study online at quizlet.com/_8ew5c

6 major functions of the cell membrane

1.Act as enzymes: Controls metabolic processes
2.Attatchment to the cytoskeleton and ECM: (bones and muscle) place to push/pull... unctions as an anchor
3.Cell to cell communication and recognition: so that cells can work together in tissues
(finds friend or foe and holds on to them)
4.intercellular junctions: (adhesion) for stictiching cells together to make tissues
5.Molecule Transport: Helps MOve food, water, or something across the membrane
6.Signal Receptors: to catch hormones or other molecules circulating in the blood
(adrenaline/seratonin)

But the really good stuff is found here:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK9898/
studying the structures gives us an idea of their functions.

Answer 3

^ you're talking about proteins/receptors that are embedded in the membrane, not the membrane per se.

Answer 4

I was waiting for someone to take a notice.
there's no question about the only the functions of the fundamental structure of the membranes - phospholipids (bilayer). whatever, attached to it, whether integrally or peripherally, will be part of the whole structure thereby providing further functions.

Answer 5

fair enough, the question \(did\;say\) "plasma membrane", not phospholipid bilayer.

Answer 6

@laceyebarrett help your co-openstudy mates
http://openstudy.com/study#/updates/521507a4e4b00ebc7dc043cc