What is the function of the plasma membrane?

According to Ohio State University-Mansfield, the cell membrane has many functions, such as compartmentalizing the cell from its environment and protecting the interior of the cell from foreign bodies. The cell membrane is selectively permeable, which means that only certain materials the cell needs to continue to live can come into the cell and waste particles can go out.

The cell membrane also allows the cells to stick to other cells or materials in their world when necessary, and the membrane carries an identity marker that prevents the white blood cells from destroying a body’s own cells.