Loading…
skip to main content
Logo

Biology: The Cell: 02: Structure - Overview of Cell Boundaries

ID: NSV15002
MEDICAL ANIMATION TRANSCRIPT: Today, we're going to talk about the outer boundary of cells. Every cell has a boundary to separate it from its surroundings. You may already know that plant cells have a rigid outer boundary called a cell wall. Other organisms such as bacteria and fungi also have cell walls. And while their cell walls differ in structure and composition, their cell walls all provide support, shape, and protection for these types of cells. It is essential you remember that animal cells always have a cell membrane but never have a cell wall. So what is the boundary that all cells have? Whether they have a cell wall or not, all cells have a cell membrane, also called a plasma membrane. In a typical animal cell, the cell membrane is a thin, flexible barrier against the outside environment. It's main job is to help with homeostasis, a type of equilibrium in which the cell maintains a relatively constant, stable internal environment. Like all living things, cells require stable internal conditions in order to survive, grow, and reproduce. The cell membrane helps maintain this stable internal environment by being selectively permeable. This means it acts as a gatekeeper to control or select what can get into or out of the cell. We'll learn more about the ways cells accomplish this separately. For now, remember that all cells have a flexible cell membrane, and most cells also have a rigid cell wall. And it's important to know that animal cells never have a cell wall. The cell wall provides support, shape, and protection to the cell. And the cell membrane is selectively permeable in order to help maintain intracellular homeostasis. [music]
Variations
    (none available)

Nucleus Medical Media Disclaimer of Medical and Legal Liability

Nucleus Medical Media ("Nucleus") does not dispense medical or legal advice, and the text, illustrations, photographs, animations and other information ("Content") available on this web site is for general information purposes only. As with any medical or legal issue, it is up to you to consult a physician or attorney for professional advice. YOU SHOULD NOT DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE BASED ON CONTENT CONTAINED ON THIS WEB SITE, NOR SHOULD YOU RELY ON THE CONTENT ON THIS WEB SITE IN PLACE OF PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE.

NUCLEUS DISCLAIMS ALL RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY FOR ANY COUNSEL, ADVICE, TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY MEDICAL, LEGAL OR OTHER INFORMATION, SERVICES OR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OBTAIN BASED ON VIEWING THE CONTENT OF THIS SITE. THE INFORMATION ON THIS WEB SITE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED COMPLETE OR SUITABLE FOR ANY PURPOSE WHATSOEVER.

Mature Content Disclaimer: Certain Content on this web site contains graphic depictions or descriptions of medical information, which may be offensive to some viewers. Nucleus, its licensors, and its suppliers disclaim all responsibility for such materials.

close