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| Introduction |
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| Every cell, whether it is prokaryotic or eukaryotic, is enclosed in a thin covering called cell membrane. It is also called as plasma membrane or plasma lemma. The cell membrane can only be seen through the electron microscope since its thickness is well below the resolving power of human eye. |
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| fig. 15.1- Cell Membrane |
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| Apart from the plasma membrane, a eukaryotic cell also shows intracellular and subcellular membranes around its organelles and vacuoles. Such membranes are also found all over the cytoplasm as a network called endoplasmic reticulum. These membranes thus, compartmentalize the cell into discrete functional units. |
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| The plasma membrane and the subcellular membranes are involved in the flow of selected materials across the cell, as and when the cell needs them. |
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| It is because of these vital roles that the plasma membrane and subcellular membranes are together described as biological membranes or biomembranes. |
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