Selective permeability, made possible in cells by the phospholipid bilayer that makes up the plasma membrane, is basically monitoring and regulating what can and can't enter the cell. It is carried out by a series of membrane proteins that act as channels to polar molecules, opening to allow them in and closing to prevent their entry. This is possible because the hydrophobic tails of the phospholipid molecules repel polar molecules and so prevent their entry unless through a channel.
