What is the main function of the cell membrane in plant cells?

The main function of the cell membrane in plant cells is to surround and protect the cell's contents. The cell membrane is a selective barrier that controls what enters and exits the cell, thus maintaining the internal environment necessary for cellular functions. It plays a crucial role in protecting the cell from external factors while allowing essential substances, such as nutrients and gases, to pass through.

While the cell membrane is involved in various functions, its primary role revolves around providing structure and support to the cell, contributing to the overall integrity of the plant. The options related to producing energy or storing genetic information pertain to other organelles, such as mitochondria for energy and the nucleus for genetic material. Facilitating photosynthesis is a function associated with chloroplasts, not the cell membrane itself. Therefore, the correct choice emphasizes the protective and regulatory role of the cell membrane.