What does the plasma membrane do in a prokaryotic cell?

Answer 1

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. Small molecules, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water, are able to pass freely across the membrane, but the passage of larger molecules, such as amino acids and sugars, is carefully regulated.

Answer 2

The plasma membrane in a prokaryotic cell helps to regulate the passage of substances in and out of the cell, maintaining the cell's internal environment. It also plays a role in cell communication and recognition. Additionally, the plasma membrane anchors various proteins that are involved in important cellular processes.