Answer:
Cellular membranes or plasma membranes has many functions. Some of these include regulation of cellular transport, and responding to cellular signals or hormones.
<h2>Cellular Transport</h2>
The plasma membrane is made up of the <u>phospholipid bilayer with embedded transmembrane proteins</u>. This makes the cell membrane <u>semi-permeable</u>. Movements of substances depend on the composition of the molecules e.g. glucose and amino acids, as needed by the pancreatic cells. These are larger and uncharged molecules and can't pass freely through the membrane so they utilize the transmembrane proteins via attaching to carrier proteins. This is called <em>passive transport</em>. On the other hand, in <em>active transport</em>, <u>ATP is used</u> to transfer molecules, like Hydrogen, from a low to high electrochemical gradient.
Other kinds of cellular transport are:
- Osmosis and diffusion
- Endocytosis
- Exocytosis
<h2>Cellular Signalling</h2>
The cell membrane is able to signal other neighboring cells by utilizing complex proteins. These proteins may take form as receptors or markers.
<h3>Membrane Receptors</h3>
They act as receivers of extracellular signals and spark intracellular processes. These receive signals from hormones, growth factors, etc.
<h3>
Membrane Markers </h3>
These allow the cells to identify each other and respond if this cell is needs further development as in organ development, or a foreign body to the system.
Snake goes to frog frog goes to bug bug goes to leaf and leaf goes to soil
<em>They are exothermic as they take temperature from the surrounding and then maintain their internal body temperature according to the amount of heat absorbed :)</em>
