Why is the cell membrane important in maintaining homeostasis?

Answer 1

The cell membrane is selectively permeable. Some things like 02 or C02 go right through but any charged ion like Na+, K+, Cl- or Ca++ need special pores to get into the cell. Similarly most nutrients like sugars and lipids also have a regulated entry and exit from the cell. So homeostasis in maintained by the expenditure of energy moving this components from inside to outside of the cell . Without a membrane things would just move down their concentration gradient.

http://www.answers.com/homeostasis

http://www.answers.com/ion%20channel

Answer 2

because it is semipermeable

Hemostasis is defined as a system that regulates internal conditions to keep them stable. Biological membranes are important in regulating the human body's internal environment. Cells are bound by a barrier are called plasma membrane. It acts as a selective permeable barrier with living organisms. It helps keep the body the same on the inside when things are changing on the outside environment. For life to continue, it must maintain and internal temperature varying only by a degree or two. The consequence of the lack of the bio membrane can cause variety of health problems such as Diabetes.

Biological membranes in a form of cell membranes often consists of a phospholipid with imbedded integral and peripheral proteins used in communication and transportation of chemicals and ions. The phospholipid bilayer interacts with polar water. This maintains the fluidity of the cell. Membranes in cells maintain a chemical or biochemical environment that differs from the outside. It shields the rest of the cell from peroxides, chemicals that can be toxic to the cell. One of the most important things about the bio membrane is that it can choose what allowed to pass through it. Crossing the membrane is decided by its size, charge, and other chemical properties of the atoms and molecules. This is necessary for the separation of a cell or organelle for its surrounding area. These membranes have properties that allow them to change shape as needed. A small hydrophobic molecule can simply cross the phospholipids bilayers by diffusion. Some particles are unable to diffuse across a membrane. Those particles must move through a transport protein. Another way is by endocytosis.

Answer 3

The cell membrane is important in maintaining homeostasis because it regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell, helping to maintain internal balance. It also plays a role in communication between cells and with the external environment. Overall, the cell membrane helps to keep the cell's internal conditions stable despite external changes.