2007-04-18 11:04:53 · 3 answers · asked by BEACHRESCUE 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
The cell is the basis of living things. It is actually part of the definition for life on earth. A cell is defined as having a demarcating semi-permeable membrane as a critical and necessary morphological and physiological feature. So your query as stated begs the question, as life is cellular, and cells must have membranes to qualify as such.
2007-04-18 11:10:37 · answer #1 · answered by Jerry P 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The membrane is the selectively permeable part. Not only does the membrane hold the contents of the cell together, but it regulates which materials are allowed to enter and leave the cell.
2007-04-18 11:09:52 · answer #2 · answered by ecolink 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
um, do you know what happens to things WITHOUT a membrane....we had fun at university watching protists (eg euglena) and what happens when their membrane broke....cytoplasm EVERYWHERE.....cool, but not good for the protist! Its like a plastic bag holding all the jelly (jello) in it!
Membranes hold the shape of the cell, control what goes in and out of the cell and even helps move cells about.
2007-04-18 11:40:56 · answer #3 · answered by mareeclara 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋