Question

Enumerate the functions of biomembranes.

Answer 1

Plasma membrane or cell membrane is also known as biomembranes. It is an absolute requirement for all living organisms. It is responsible for the relationship of a cell with the outside world. Following are the major functions of biomembranes:

1. It causes compartmentalization. As organelle coverings, they allow the cell organelles to maintain their identity, internal environment, and functional individuality.
2. It protects the cell from injury.
3. The membranes allow the flow of materials and information between different organelles of the same cell as well as between one cell and another.
4. Cell membranes have selective permeability, that is, they allow only selected substances to pass inwardly to selected degrees. The membranes are impermeable to others.
5. Cell membranes contain enzymes for performing certain reaction on their surface, e.g., ATPase, phosphatases, esterases.