Functions of the cell membrane include all of the following except:

The function of the cell membrane plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and functionality of the cell. It acts as a selective barrier, allowing certain molecules to enter or exit while keeping others in or out, which is vital for maintaining homeostasis. This regulation of molecules is fundamental to cellular function and is achieved primarily through transport proteins embedded in the membrane.

Additionally, the cell membrane is essential for communication between the cell and its environment. It contains receptors that recognize and bind to extracellular signals, such as hormones and neurotransmitters, facilitating cell signaling pathways that regulate various physiological responses.

Another important role of the cell membrane is the maintenance of electrochemical gradients, particularly in excitable cells like neurons and muscle cells. This is vital for processes such as nerve impulse propagation and muscle contractions, which depend on the differential distribution of ions across the membrane.

In contrast, lipid production and oxidation are processes more closely associated with organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, rather than the cell membrane itself. The cell membrane is primarily composed of lipids, but it does not actively produce or oxidize them as part of its functions. Therefore, the statement regarding lipid production and oxidation does not align with the primary functions of the cell membrane.