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Cell membranes are selective barriers because they only let certain substances pass through and therefore ensures the cells survival.

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13y ago
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14y ago

So only good stuff goes in and only bad stuff goes out.

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10y ago

The cell membrane is described as a selective barrier because it lets some things in and not others.

For example, water can easily pass through the cell membrane, but glucose cannot.

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12y ago

This means that the cell membrane will only let certain select items through the cell membrane, such as water.

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Q: Why is the cell membrane described as being a selective barrier?
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What does selective permeability mean what is responsible for the selective permeability of the plasma or cell membrane?

When a cell's membrane is permeable, it means that only certain proteins and other molecules can go in and out of the porous membrane, through protein pumps and other pathways. Some molecules stay inside the cell, while others float outside. Starches, for example, are large molecules that cannot pass through the membrane.


What controls which substances go in and out of cells?

Molecules in the cell membrane (plasma membrane) control which substances move or out of a cell.Phospholipids form a barrier to most compounds. To move through the phospholipid bilayer, molecules must be small and uncharged; examples are water, dissolved oxygen, and carbon dioxide. These move through the bilayer by diffusion(osmosis in the case of water).Other compounds must pass through proteins embedded in the phospholipid bilayer.Channel proteins allow the passage of molecules that are small enough and are not repelled by any charge around the pore (channel) of the protein. The movement of substances through channel proteins is called facilitated diffusion, being facilitated by the protein.Carrier proteins are highly selective, and move substances either by facilitated diffusion or by active transport, which requires energy. This energy may be supplied by the hydrolysis of ATP.


What is the material in the space between the nucleus and cell membrane?

Called the cytoplasm. Without the organelles and just being liquid it is called the cytosol.


How does a selective menu differ from a non -selective menu?

A menu in which it's recipients do not have a choice. This is common in health care settings, where a set menu is served to patients.


What does the term selectively permeable mean?

If you break down the two words, selective means to only pick certain things, and permeable means to let pass through. When you talk about something being "selectively permeable", it usually refers to a cell membrane because it only lets in certain nutrients and lets out proteins and what not. I hope this answers your question.

Related questions

What kind of trade barrier is being described here?

no description given**


What organization is described as being a fluid mosaic model?

The phospholipid bilayer, also known as the cell membrane.


What provides a boundary between the internal and external environment of all cells?

The cell membrane surrounds a cell's cytoplasm. It protects the cells by being selective about what enters and exists a cell.


What does selective breeding involve?

Dogs are the number one selective breeding by the human being for their purpose of being in this world.


What does selective permeability mean what is responsible for the selective permeability of the plasma or cell membrane?

When a cell's membrane is permeable, it means that only certain proteins and other molecules can go in and out of the porous membrane, through protein pumps and other pathways. Some molecules stay inside the cell, while others float outside. Starches, for example, are large molecules that cannot pass through the membrane.


How does the plasma membrane maintain homeostasis?

The Plasma membrane maintains the homeostasis throughout a cell because it filters what substances go in and out of the cell. If there is too much of a substance in a cell the plasma membrane quickly disposes it and when there is not enough of a substance in a cell the plasma membrane lets the substance in.The plasma membrane uses selective permeability to maintain homeostasis in a cell by eliminating wastes and taking in needed items.


What is metaphor for ignorance?

Ignorance is often metaphorically described as being in the dark or wearing blinders, implying a lack of knowledge or understanding about a particular subject. It can also be compared to a closed or locked door, signifying a barrier to learning or growth.


What is diaphragm seals?

A diaphragm seal is a flexible membrane that seals and isolates an enclosure. The flexible nature of this seal allows pressure effects to cross the barrier but not the material being contained. Common uses for diaphragm seals are to protect pressure sensors from the fluid whose pressure is being measured.


What contributes to the selective permeability of cell membranes?

The permeability of a biological membrane is dependent on the type of transport proteins that are present in the membrane and the lipid bi-layer being permeable to primarily small, nonpolar molecules.the type of transport proteins that are present in the membrane &the lipid bilayer being permeable to primarily small, nonpolar molecules


Which event is being described by these statements?

Please provide the statements you are referring to for me to identify the event being described.


Does cholesterol serves no function in the cell?

It functions by serving its purpose of being in the plasma membrane. Which is to give the membrane more fluidity in normal and low temperatures and to prevent the membrane from being too fluid in high temperatures in respect to the membrane.


A single mitochondrion consists of?

An outer membrane and an inner membrane, the inner membrane being used during cellular respiration