Which of the following accurately describes the role of the cell membrane?

The cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, serves as the outer boundary of a cell. Its primary function is to separate the internal environment of the cell from the external environment, thus providing structural support and maintaining the integrity of the cell. This bilayer structure consists of phospholipids and proteins, which help in regulating what enters and exits the cell, thereby playing a crucial role in the cell's interaction with its surroundings.

The cell membrane is vital for protecting the cell and allowing it to communicate with other cells and respond to external stimuli. It does this by allowing selective permeability; thus, only certain substances can pass through, which is essential for maintaining homeostasis within the cell.

In contrast, protein synthesis takes place primarily in the ribosomes, and genetic information is stored within the nucleus of the cell, not the membrane. Energy production occurs in the mitochondria, which are specialized organelles within the cell and are not a function of the cell membrane itself.