Plasma Membrane

The plasma membrane or cell membrane surrounds the cell contents in all types of cells. It is a multipurpose covering composed of phospholipids and proteins.

fig. 16.4 - Cell Membrane

Apart from the plasma membrane, an 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. 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.