The presence of cholesterol and glycolipids, which are found in most cell membranes, can also affect molecular dynamics and inhibit phase transitions. In prokaryotes and plants, the plasma membrane is an inner layer of protection since a rigid cell wall forms the outside boundary for their cells. The cell wall has pores that allow materials to enter and leave the cell, but they are not very selective about what passes through.
http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/cells/plasmamembrane/plasmamembrane.html
Parts [edit]. Cell Membrane: The cell membrane is a fluid mosaic structure which is composed of a phospholipid bilayer and other important macromolecules such as proteins. The cell membrane separates the cell from the environment and allows the movement of materials in and out of the cell. Animal Cell. Cytoplasm: the liquid within the cell where the different organelles are found. It is here where many functions occur. Including cell division and glycolysis.
https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Structural_Biochemistry/Cell_Organelles/Animal_Cell
It is also called as cell membrane as it is works as a barrier between the inner and outer surface of a cell. In animal cells, the plasma membrane is present in the outer most layer of the cell and in plant cell it is present just beneath the cell wall.
http://biology.tutorvista.com/animal-and-plant-cells/plasma-membrane.html
Function of Plasma Membrane. 1  It separates the contents of the cell from its outside environment and it regulates what enters and exits the cell. 2  Plasma membrane plays a vital role in protecting the integrity of the interior of the cell by allowing only selected substances into the cell and keeping other substances out.
http://biology.tutorvista.com/animal-and-plant-cells/plasma-membrane.html
1 The plasma membrane has many proteins embedded in it. 2  The plasma membrane regulates the entry and exit of the cell. 3  Many molecules cross the cell membrane by diffusion and osmosis. 4  The fundamental structure of the membrane is phospho lipid bilayer and it forms a stable barrier between two aqueous compartments.
http://biology.tutorvista.com/animal-and-plant-cells/plasma-membrane.html
Cytoplasm. Jelly-like substance, where chemical reactions happen. In plant cells there's a thin lining, whereas in animal cells most of the cell is cytoplasm. Plant and animal cells. Nucleus. Controls what happens inside the cell. Carries genetic information. In exams don't call the nucleus the 'brain' of the cell.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks3/science/organisms_behaviour_health/cells_systems/revision/3/
Plasma Membrane. All living cells, prokaryotic and eukaryotic, have a plasma membrane that encloses their contents and serves as a semi-porous barrier to the outside environment. The membrane acts as a boundary, holding the cell constituents together and keeping other substances from entering. The plasma membrane is permeable to specific molecules, however, and allows nutrients and other essential elements to enter the cell and waste materials to leave the cell.
http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/cells/plasmamembrane/plasmamembrane.html
Movement across Cell Membranes [back to top]. Cell membranes are a barrier to most substances, and this property allows materials to be concentrated inside cells, excluded from cells, or simply separated from the outside environment. This is compartmentalisation is essential for life, as it enables reactions to take place that would otherwise be impossible.
http://biologymad.com/cells/cellmembrane.htm
Active Transport. Endocytosis and Exocytosis. The Structure of the Cell Membrane The cell membrane (or plasma membrane) surrounds all living cells, and is the cell's most important organelle. It controls how substances can move in and out of the cell and is responsible for many other properties of the cell as well.
http://biologymad.com/cells/cellmembrane.htm
Animal cells and plant cells. Animal cells usually have an irregular shape, and plant cells usually have a regular shape. Cells are made up of different parts. It is easier to explain what these parts are by using diagrams like the ones below. Animal cells and plant cells both contain: cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus. Plant cells also contain these parts, not found in animal cells: chloroplasts, vacuole, cell wall. The table summarises the functions of these parts.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks3/science/organisms_behaviour_health/cells_systems/revision/3/
what is an animal cell membrane
An animal cell membrane is a fluid mosaic structure which is composed of a phospholipid bilayer and other important macromolecules such as proteins.