What is the function of the plasma membrane?

The plasma membrane serves as a critical barrier for the cell, protecting its internal components from the external environment. It is selectively permeable, meaning it regulates what substances can enter or exit the cell. This function is essential for maintaining homeostasis, allowing the cell to control its internal conditions by managing the concentration of various ions and molecules. The membrane is composed of phospholipids and proteins, which together create a dynamic structure that aids in the transport of materials necessary for the cell's survival and function.

Energy production, genetic information storage, and protein synthesis, while vital processes within cells, are not functions of the plasma membrane itself. Instead, these processes occur within other cellular structures, such as mitochondria for energy production, the nucleus for genetic material, and ribosomes for protein synthesis. The plasma membrane's primary responsibility is to maintain a stable environment for the cell's various activities by controlling what comes in and out.