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Cell Membrane: Keeping Things Together
All cells, plant and animal, have a cell membrane. Membranes are selectively permeable and only molecules small enough can go through the membrane by diffusion. A membrane consists of four vital components: a phospholipid bilayer, glycolipids and glycoproteins, proteins, and cholesterol.
The phospholipid bilayer forms the structure of the membrane--hydrophilic heads on the outside, while the hydrophobic tails are forced inside. Glycolipids and glycoproteins serve for communication, while most proteins help to move materials in and out of cells. Proteins can also help similiar cells stick together, help to bind hormones and other extracellular substances to the membrane, and help the cell be able to tell a good cell from a bad one. Cholesterol helps maintain fluidity within the cell.
Cell membranes are a critically important part of the membrane and, for a limited time only, can help maintain control and togetherness in your cells for just $0.50 a membrane!!