What Does It Mean That Biological Membranes Are Selectively Permeable

A selectively permeable cell membrane is one that allows certain molecules or ions to pass through it by means of active or passive transport.

Selectively permeable means a membrane allows the passage of some molecules or ions and inhibits the passage of others. That is to allow substances to pass through indiscriminately. This is important for the cell to maintain its internal order irrespective of the changes to the environment. The cell membrane is said to be selectively permeable because it lets certain substances pass through while restricting the passage of others.

It is the ability of something to be permeable. Updated september 09 2019. The actual structure of the cell membrane allows free passage or restricts movement of substances across the membrane. The capacity to filter molecular transport in this manner is called selective permeability.

Anne marie helmenstine ph d.