Definition and Function of the Cell Membrane – The outermost layer of the body is the skin, while the outermost layer of cells is called the cell membrane. Cell membranes are rarely known about their functions and uses. Although both are the outermost parts, their functions are very different.
The cell membrane is one part of the cell that has a very important function. Many of the functions of the cell membrane are related to the performance of the body. This article will discuss the meaning and function of the cell membrane.
Definition of Cell Membrane
But a filter that has the ability to choose. Choose materials that pass while maintaining the difference in ion levels from outside and from inside the cell. Materials needed by cells can enter. Meanwhile, materials that include cell waste can pass through the cell.
Functions of the Cell Membrane
1. Protects cells
The cell membrane has a function to protect the cell. This function is the most important function of the cell membrane. The cell membrane will protect the integrity of the inside of the cell. The trick is to let certain substances into the cell.
In addition, other substances will be held so as not to come out. In this case, the cell membrane will become a barrier. In addition, the cell membrane will protect the cell elements that will enter. As well as other unwanted substances out.
2. Enveloping cells
The next function of the cell membrane is to envelop the cell. The cell membrane is a continuous and unbroken membrane. The cell membrane will provide boundaries as well as envelop a room called the compartment. The entire contents of the cell will be covered by the cell membrane.
In addition, there is a cell membrane whose job is to limit the nucleus and spaces in the cytoplasm. The cell membrane also serves as a formidable barrier. Through the presence of cell membranes, it allows some solutes to pass while blocking others.
3. Interaction between cells
The cell membrane is responsible for the interactions between one cell and another. This occurs in organisms that have many cells. The organs in the body generally consist of various kinds of cells. These cells must work together so that they can carry out their overall function.
The cell membrane allows cells to get to know each other. After that, they will exchange information and subtraction. This occurs regardless of whether the cell has been used in a particular location, such as from a tissue.
4. Regulate cell growth
The next function of the cell membrane is to regulate cell growth. This regulation is accomplished through a balance between endocytosis and exocytosis. In endocytosis, lipids and proteins are removed from the cell membrane. This occurs when a substance is internalized. While in exocytosis, vesicles that contain protein and lipids will unite. It happens with the cell membrane increasing the size of the cell.
5. Transfer of Information
The cell membrane also has a role in transferring information between one cell and another. Inside the membrane, there is a receptor. Receptor is something that is able to combine with certain molecules with the appropriate shape. As always in combination with a suitable subtract.
However, different cells have membranes that have different receptors. This causes various receptors to combine with various ligands. Ligand is a molecule or ion. Ligands can combine with receptors present in the membrane.
6. As an intermediary substance
7. Receptor carrier
The next function of the cell membrane is as a receptor carrier. The plasma membrane will carry receptors, which include attachment sites for certain substances that have interacted with the cell. Each receptor is structured to bind certain substances.
Examples include surface membrane receptors that make a change on the inside. Like enzymes found in metabolic pathways. This metabolic pathway has an important role to provide energy for cells and make specific substances for cells. In addition, it can also break down cellular waste or toxins that must be removed.
8. Transport across cell membranes
One of the essential ongoing parts of cell life is removing wastes as well as taking in nutrients. Those things have to be cell membranes. Certain substances, for example, must move into the cell. This is done to support the cell to stay alive.
However, the opposite situation can occur. Waste substances that have been produced from cell metabolism must be removed from the cell. The goal is to be excreted out of the body. The movement of substances can be done in an active or passive way.
9. Provision of Enzymes
Inside the membrane is an enzyme system, the enzyme system is called adenylcyclase. Adeylcyclase is present in almost all mammalian tissues, except for red blood cells. Activation of adenylcyclase will cause a change in ATP to cyclic adenosine monosofastate or cAMP in the cell.
Increasing the amount of cAMP in the cell will then have an effect on the physiological response of the cell. An example is an enzyme system that becomes active. In addition, there will also be changes in membrane permeability to certain substances. Another thing that will happen is the synthesis or secretion of hormones. As well as the occurrence of protein synthesis.
10. Signaling
In terms of cell communication and signaling, the cell membrane also has an important role. The membrane contains several embedded proteins. So that it can bind to molecules found from outside the cell. As well as conveying messages into the cells.
When a molecule binds to a targeted receptor on the membrane, it initiates a signal transduction pathway. It occurs in cells that transmit signals to the appropriate molecules.
As a result of these frequently complex signaling pathways, cells can also make actions. These actions are dictated by signaling molecules. Examples include stopping or making the production of certain proteins.
11. Where the chemical reaction takes place
The next function of the cell membrane is as a place for chemical reactions to take place. These chemical reactions occur in cells. There are many chemical reactions that the body needs. This is because several chemical reactions occur in the cell membrane.
12. Prevent bacteria and viruses
The cell membrane has the task of keeping the cell components isolated from the outside environment. The intracellular component of the extracellular environment which has been separated from the function of the cell membrane has created various threats. These threats can easily enter the body.
However, it will be fully controlled by the body. Examples such as viruses that come from outside. Or bad bacteria that attack the body. These viruses or bacteria can cause disease. But the attack can be immediately prevented by the cell membrane.