Q. 13.9( 118 Votes )

Why is plasma membrane called a selectively permeable membrane?

Class 9th NCERT - Science 5. The Fundamental Unit of Life

Answer :

The cell membrane is also known as the plasma membrane.
It is the outermost covering of the cell that separates the contents inside of the cell from its outside environment.
Plasma membrane only allows some materials, like some small molecules and water molecules, to enter the cell or leave from the cell.
Not everything that comes in contact with the cell membrane can enter the cell because of this.
So, the plasma membrane is known as a selectively permeable membrane. It selects or chooses what goes in and out of the cell.

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