Question

Describe the benefit of the bilayer structure of the plasma membrane

Answer 1

Answer: The bilayer of the plasma membrane helps to regulate the type of molecules that enter or leave the cell (maintaining the integrity of the cell). The lipid bilayer form the external boundaries of cells and regulate the traffic of molecules across the boundaries.

Explanation: The bilayer is composed mainly of lipids. They organize complex reaction sequences and play important role in cell to cell communication. The bilayer is flexible and selectively permeable, their flexibility allows the shape changes that accompany cell growth and movement while their selective permeability allows them the passage of certain compounds and ions in and out of the cell while excluding others.

Answer 2

Benefit of the bilayer structure of the plasma membrane are the following :

1) Bilayer structure of the plasma membrane helps in protecting the inner portion from poisonous substances and prevents it from entering into the cell.

2) Bilayer of plasma membrane has the ability to allow those substances which are beneficial and necessary for the cell such as nutrients and removes waste substances from the cell.