Principles of Biochemistry

1.1.3.1 Cell membrane

The cell membrane is a biological membrane that separates the interior of all cells from the outside environment. The cell membrane is semi-permeable to ions and organic molecules and controls the movement of substances in and out of cells. It consists of the phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins, which are involved in a variety of cellular processes such as cell signalling, cell adhesion and ion conductivity. The plasma membrane also serves as the attachment surface for the extracellular glycocalyx and cell wall of plant cell and intracellular cytoskeleton.