- The cell membrane of an animal cell is a lipid bilayer with embedded proteins. The structural organization of the cell membrane permits selective permeability. Not all substances will be able to enter the cell. Small non-polar molecules may pass through with relative ease. However, polar molecules cannot and as such would require transporters such as membrane proteins. The cell membrane is the only structure that surrounds an animal cell. In spite of the lack of a cell wall, the cell membrane of the animal cell contains cholesterol that provides structural integrity and support. Furthermore, the presence of cholesterol and the lack of cell walls in animal cells make them fluid rather than rigid, and therefore, render them the capability of movement.
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