Biological Membranes Flashcards
(41 cards)
Cell Plasma Membrane
Semi-permeable phospholipid bilayer selectivity is mediated by channels and carriers (Water soluble). The membrane permits fat soluble compounds through
Proteins & Signaling Areas in the Membrane
Embedded in the bilayer to act as cell receptors during signal transduction and maintain overall cellular activity
Phospholipids
Move rapidly in the plane of the membrane through simple diffusion
Lipid Rafts
- Primary component of cell membranes that provide structure
- Phosphate group serves as the attachment point for other water soluble biomolecules
- Secondary messenger in signal transduction
Membrane Components
(Most plentiful) - Lipids - Proteins - Carbohydrates - Nucleic Acids (Least plentiful)
Unsaturated Fatty Acids
Impart fluidity to the membrane
Glycerophospholipids
Used for membrane synthesis
Cholesterol
- Imparts fluidity to the membrane
- Synthesizes steroids
- Provides stability by linking adjacent phospholipids and occupying the space between them
Waxes
- Serve an extracellular function in protection and waterproofing
- Provide stability / rigidity within the nonpolar tail region of the membrane
Transmembrane Proteins
Pass completely through the lipid bilayer
Embedded Proteins
Interior (cytoplasmic) OR Exterior (Extracellular) proteins on the surface of a cell
Peripheral Proteins
They are transporters, channels and receptors bound with the lipid bilayer, lipid rafts or other transmembrane and embedded proteins
Carbohydrates
- Hydrophilic
- Attached at extracellular side
- Function in signaling and molecule recognition
Receptors
(De)Activate transporters for facilitated diffusion or active transport
Cell Adhesion Molecules (CAMs)
Cell-Cell junctions that allow cells to recognize each other and contribute to proper cell differentiation and development
Gap Junctions
- Direct Cell-Cell communication
- Connexons permits water / solutes movement
Tight Junctions
Prevent solutes from leaking into intracellular space via a paracellular route. They create a physical link between cells to form a waterproof seal
Desmosomes
Bind adjacent cells by anchoring to their cytoskeleton
Hemi-Desmosomes
Attach epithelial cells to underlying (basement membranes)
Simple Diffusion
- Passively move from a High [ ] Gradient —> Low [ ] Gradient until equilibrium is achieved
- Does not require a transporter
- Substrates move directly across membrane
Ex: Small, nonpolar molecules like O2 and CO2
Osmosis
- Moves from Low [ ] Gradient —> High [ ] Gradient
- Diffusion across a selectively permeable membrane
- Move H2O Only
Hypotonic Solution
Lower concentration of solution outside the cell, [Solutes] increase in the cell, Resulting in a net flow of water into the cell (cell will swell, increase in size)
Hypertonic Solution
Higher concentration of solution outside of the cell, [Solutes] decrease in the cell, Resulting in a net flow of water out of the cell (cell will shrink, decrease in size)
Isotonic Solution
Equimolar [Solutes] inside and outside of the cell, resulting in no net flow of water