Final answer:
Tight junctions serve as a barrier in intestinal epithelial cells, separating apical and basolateral regions and preventing the movement of membrane proteins between these areas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The function that acts like a fence to block membrane protein movement between the apical and basolateral regions of an intestinal epithelial cell plasma membrane is the tight junctions . Tight junctions create a watertight seal between adjacent animal cells, preventing materials from leaking between the cells. These junctions are essential for maintaining the distinct environments of the apical and basolateral surfaces in epithelial tissues, which is crucial for the directional transport of substances across the tissue.