Final answer:
The cell membrane controls what enters and leaves the cell, acting as a barrier and regulating nutrient uptake and waste removal.
Step-by-step explanation:
The role of the cell membrane is to control what enters and leaves the cell. It acts as a barrier, allowing some substances to pass through while blocking others. This is important for maintaining the cell's internal environment and regulating processes such as nutrient uptake and waste removal. For example, the cell membrane contains specific channels and transporters that allow nutrients like glucose and oxygen to enter the cell, while blocking larger molecules and harmful substances.
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