Answer:
Cell membrane is the outer layer of cell. in plants there is a cell wall above cell membranes but in animal cells there is only a cell membrane.
It has a complex structure relating to it function.
Structure:
- It is a lipid bilayer. lipids are phospholipids.
- Heads of phospholipids are in outer side while tails are in inner portion of bilayer forming hydrophobic inside the bilayer and hydrophilic outer layer/sides of membrane.
- There are also embedded proteins in lipid bilayer forming mosaic like shape.
- There is small amount of cholesterol attached to membrane.
- There are also specific glycoproteins projecting out side the cell.
Function:
- Outer covering of cell.
- Control for intercellular transport.
- Protection.
- Surface receptors for the recognition.
- Provides flexibility.
