Where is the cell membrane in plant cells?

In plant cells, the cell membrane lies just outside the cell cytoplasm and inside the cell wall. This is unlike other organisms in which the cell membrane forms the outermost layer of the cell.

The cell membrane in plant cells is a flexible, semipermeable lipid layer made up of phospholipids, as well as protein and carbohydrate molecules. It performs several functions including:

• Maintains the shape of the cell together with the cell wall
• Transports nutrients into the cell and toxic substances out of the cell
• Protects the integrity of the cell interior
• Plays a key role cell signaling and communication
• Regulates cell growth by balancing endocytosis and exocytosis
• Regulates the transport of substances in and out of the cell
• Helps plant cells survive in less than optimal environmental conditions