Final answer:
The cell membrane regulates the movement of materials in and out of the cell through selective permeability and transport proteins.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cell membrane is responsible for regulating the movement of materials in and out of the cell. It is selectively permeable, allowing some substances to pass through while blocking others. This selective permeability helps to maintain the internal environment of the cell and ensures the cell's survival.
Transport proteins in the cell membrane act as channels or pumps to facilitate the movement of specific molecules in and out of the cell. These proteins play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of salts, nutrients, and proteins within the cell.
An example of a transport protein is ion channels. Ion channels regulate the movement of ions such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride across the cell membrane. These ions are essential for various cellular processes and maintaining membrane potential.