The cell membrane is a semipermeable covering of the cytoplasmic contents of a cell. The function of the cell membrane is to protect the cell. The cell membrane protects the cell because it is selectively permeable. This means that the cell membrane allows good things in and out of the cell, but prevents toxins and other harmful substances from entering the cell. The cell membrane is composed of a phospholipid bilayer. Ions and water are small enough to fit through the spaces between the phospholipids of the cell membrane. Proteins can be found within the phospholipid bilayer. These proteins act as channels through which larger substances can pass through the cell. However, the proteins are specific to which substances can enter and exit through their channels. In order to pass through a protein channel, the shape of the passing substance must be complementary to the shape of the protein.
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