Here's why:
* Protection: The cell membrane acts as a barrier, separating the cell's internal environment from the external environment. This protects the cell from harmful substances and maintains a stable internal environment.
* Regulation: The cell membrane controls what enters and exits the cell, acting as a selective barrier. This ensures that essential nutrients can enter and waste products can leave.
* Communication: The cell membrane plays a role in cell-to-cell communication, receiving signals from the environment and responding accordingly.
While all cells have a cell membrane, some cells have additional outer layers, like cell walls in plants and bacteria. But the cell membrane is the fundamental structure present in all living cells.