Flexi Says:
Probably the most important feature of a cell's phospholipid membranes is that they are selectively permeable or semipermeable. A membrane that is selectively permeable has control over what molecules or ions can enter or leave the cell, as shown in the Figure below. The permeability of a membrane is dependent on the organization and characteristics of the membrane lipids and proteins. In this way, cell membranes help maintain a state of homeostasis within cells (and tissues, organs, and organ systems) so that an organism can stay alive and healthy.