What is the basic function of the cell membrane?

What is the basic function of the cell membrane?

• A. To regulate movement of substances across the membrane.
• B. To regulate what enters and leaves the cell.
• C. To generate energy.
• D. To store genetic information.

Answer: (B)

Selective permeability and transport control is what the cell membrane handles. It forms a boundary that decides what can enter and leave the cell, using proteins that act as channels, transporters, and pumps to move substances in and out as needed. This gatekeeping maintains the cell’s internal environment, allowing nutrients in, wastes out, and keeping harmful substances at bay. Energy production happens in mitochondria (and chloroplasts in plants), and genetic information is stored in the nucleus, so those options describe other organelles’ roles. For maintaining proper balance and exchange with the environment, regulating what enters and leaves the cell is the best answer.

Selective permeability and transport control is what the cell membrane handles. It forms a boundary that decides what can enter and leave the cell, using proteins that act as channels, transporters, and pumps to move substances in and out as needed. This gatekeeping maintains the cell’s internal environment, allowing nutrients in, wastes out, and keeping harmful substances at bay. Energy production happens in mitochondria (and chloroplasts in plants), and genetic information is stored in the nucleus, so those options describe other organelles’ roles. For maintaining proper balance and exchange with the environment, regulating what enters and leaves the cell is the best answer.