Final answer:
The cell membrane structures, such as the phospholipid bilayer, proteins, and cholesterol, support the functioning of the cell within a larger system through selective transport, signaling, and maintaining membrane fluidity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cell membrane is composed of various structures that play essential roles in the functioning of the cell within a larger system. One such structure is the phospholipid bilayer, which forms the basic framework of the membrane. It provides a barrier that separates the cell from its external environment while allowing selective transport of substances in and out of the cell.
The membrane also contains proteins that serve different functions, such as transport proteins that facilitate the movement of molecules across the membrane, receptor proteins that bind to specific molecules and initiate signaling pathways, and enzymes that carry out chemical reactions within the membrane.
Furthermore, the presence of cholesterol in the membrane helps maintain its fluidity and stability. The fluid nature of the membrane allows for movement and interactions between different components, enabling cellular processes to occur efficiently.
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