Which of the following statements best explains how the cell membrane regulates what goes in and out of the cell?

A. the membrane allows only certain molecules to move into the cell
B. the membrane destroys most molecules so that they do not enter the cell
C. the membrane changes only certain into ions before they move into the cell
D. the membrane allows most molecules to transfer energy to the cell without entering the cell

I'm not quite sure, but I think the answer might be either A or D. Please help

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The cell membrane is semipermeable, allowing somethings to cross in either direction while preventing others. Answer choice A bests fits this description.

To determine the correct answer, let's analyze each option and eliminate the ones that are not accurate:

A. The membrane allows only certain molecules to move into the cell.
This statement is correct. The cell membrane is selectively permeable, which means it allows certain molecules to pass through while preventing others from entering or leaving the cell. It regulates the movement of substances to maintain a stable internal environment.

B. The membrane destroys most molecules so that they do not enter the cell.
This statement is not accurate. The cell membrane does not destroy molecules. Its main function is to control the movement of substances, not to destroy them.

C. The membrane changes only certain molecules into ions before they move into the cell.
This statement is not accurate either. While the cell membrane can transport ions into and out of the cell, it does not change molecules into ions before allowing them to enter.

D. The membrane allows most molecules to transfer energy to the cell without entering the cell.
This statement is not accurate. The cell membrane does not allow molecules to transfer energy to the cell without entering. Energy transfer typically occurs through chemical reactions inside the cell.

Based on the analysis, the statement that best explains how the cell membrane regulates what goes in and out of the cell is:

A. The membrane allows only certain molecules to move into the cell.

Therefore, the correct answer is option A.