Explain what is meant by selective permeability in reference to the plasma membrane

What will be an ideal response?


The plasma membrane is a selectively permeable barrier. Selective permeability means that a barrier allows some substances to pass through it while excluding others. The plasma membrane allows nutrients to enter the cell but keeps many undesirable or unnecessary substances out. At the same time, valuable cell proteins and other substances are kept within the cell, and wastes are allowed to pass out of it.

Anatomy & Physiology

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Postmenopausal women are at increased risk, compared to premenopausal women, for osteoporosis and atherosclerosis.

Answer the following statement true (T) or false (F)

Anatomy & Physiology

Vitamin K stimulates the liver to increase production of:

a. prothrombin activator b. fibrinogen c. prothrombin d. thrombin

Anatomy & Physiology

Most of the posterior forearm muscles have what action on the wrist and fingers?

a. Flexion b. Pronation c. Extension d. Rotation

Anatomy & Physiology

The cells that rhythmically and spontaneously generate action potentials in the heart are called __________.

Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).

Anatomy & Physiology