Difference between plasma membrane and cell …

Plasma membrane: The outer boundary of the cell is called the plasma membrane. The cytoplasm lies inside it. It is a living, thin, delicate, elastic, selectively permeable membrane.

Functions:

1. It separates the contents of the cell from its external environment.
2. The plasma membrane allows or permits the entry and exit of some materials in and out of the cell.
3. It also prevents movement of some other materials.

Cell wall: Plant cells, in addition to the plasma membrane, have another rigid outer covering called the cell wall. It lies outside the plasma membrane.

Functions of cell wall:

1. It permits the plant cell to become turgid.
2. It provides mechanical strength to support the cell.
3. It is freely permeable to water and substances in solution.
4. Cell wall permits the cells of plants, fungi and bacteria to withstand very dilute (hypotonic) external media without bursting.