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Selective (or differential) permeability allows the cell to regulate its internal environment and maintain internal homeostasis. This is also the basis by which a neuron (nerve cell) can 'fire' and send a message along its axon - it selectively allows one electrolyte then a different electrolyte to flow across its cell membrane and change the electrochemical gradient.

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13y ago
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11y ago

Plasma membranes are described as being differentially permeable because they select what substances can pass through and what can not. Their behaviour is different for each substance. For example, the membranes will allow molecules such as water, carbon dioxide, oxygen and various small molecules to pass through. Larger molecules such as glucose and various ions are unable to permeate.

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12y ago

Because it can pass some liquids, minerals and water through it.

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10y ago

Differentially.

This means, in this context, that the cell membrane is semipermeable; letting some substances through and not letting some other substances through the membrane.

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Q: Why is plasma membrane called selectively permeable?
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Why is the plasma membrane selectively permeable?

The plasma membrane is selectively permeable because it needs to allow certain things in and certain things out.The plasma membrane is a selectively permeable membrane as it allows the entry and exit of some selected substances only.


To what is the plasma membrane said to be?

Semipermeable or selectively permeable.


What is the basic strcture of a cell membrane?

Cell membrane is elastic and transparent. It can be impermeable, permeable, semi-permeable or selectively permeable. In humans the plasma membrane is selectively permeable that is it allows entry to certain substance.


What is the structural model of the plasma membrane called-?

structural model of plasma membrane is called the selectively permeable membrane Structural model of the plasma membrane is called Fluid Mosaic Model.


What is definition of selectively permeable?

The selectively permeable phospholipid bilayer (a.k.a plasma membrane) is 'selectively permeable' because it selects which molecules it allows to permeate (pass through).


What forms an envelope around the cell described as and selectively permeable?

The plasma membrane (cell membrane).


Why is the plasma membrane called a selectively permeable membrane?

The Plasma Membrane is a selectively permeable membrane as it only allows entry and exit of some selected molecules into and out of the Cells. It also prevents movement of some other materials, therefore the plasma membrane is called a selectively permeable membrane.


Is a cell membrane permeable impermeable or partially permeable?

Plasma membranes are selectively permeable.


Is plasma membrane premeable?

The plasma membrane is selectively permeable; it allows some substances to pass through but prevents the passage of other substances


What makes up a selectively permeable membrane?

Plasma membrane filters what the cell needs and keeps out what will harm it. this property is called selective permeability.


Selectively permeable part of the cell that controls what enters and exits the cell?

Plasma (Cell) Membrane


What is the function of the cell selectively permeable plasma membrane?

it regulates what materials enter and leave the cell