Organisms must be able to adapt to a changing external and internal environment. An organism's ability to maintain a stable internal environment is known as homeostasis. How does a cell's membrane help an organism maintain homeostasis?

A. Cell membranes use a large portion of the cell's energy supply.

B. Cell membranes directly control the temperature of the cell.

C. Cell membranes control the substances that enter or leave cells.

D. Cell membranes protect the cell organelles from large doses of radiation

C. Cell membranes control the substances that enter or leave cells.

C. Cell membranes control the substances that enter or leave cells.

The correct answer is C. Cell membranes control the substances that enter or leave cells.

Explanation:
A cell's membrane plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis by selectively allowing certain substances to enter or leave the cell. This is achieved through various mechanisms such as passive diffusion, facilitated diffusion, and active transport.

The cell membrane is selectively permeable, meaning it allows only certain molecules to pass through while preventing the entry or exit of others. This selective permeability helps to maintain the internal environment of the cell by regulating the movement of essential substances like nutrients, ions, and water, while also preventing harmful substances from entering.

Additionally, the cell membrane helps maintain homeostasis by regulating the concentration of ions inside and outside the cell. This is important for processes like osmosis, where the movement of water across the membrane is regulated, preventing the cell from swelling or shrinking excessively.

In summary, the cell membrane's ability to control the substances that enter or leave the cell is crucial for maintaining homeostasis by regulating the internal environment of the cell.