The cell membrane is selectively permeable to ions and organic molecules and controls the movement of substances in and out of cells. The basic function of the cell membrane is to protect the cell from its surroundings. It consists of the phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins.

The cell membrane is selectively permeable to ions and organic molecules and controls the movement of substances in and out of cells. The basic function of the cell membrane is to protect the cell from its surroundings. It consists of the phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins.


The cell membrane is selectively permeable to ions and organic molecules and controls the movement of substances in and out of cells. The basic function of the cell membrane is to protect the cell from its surroundings. It consists of the phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins.

The cell membrane was discovered by Swiss botanist Carl Naegeli and C. Cramer in 1855. For about 200 years after the microscope was discovered, no one thought the cell membrane existed as they could only see the cell wall. Eventually though, It was discovered that there had to be some sort of extra covering in the cells.