Introduction to the Cell Part 2 Flashcards
(68 cards)
Structure and function of the Plasma Membrane:
- lipid bilayer with embedded proteins
- interface between the cell and its environment
- functions as a permeability barrier.
Characteristics of plasma membrane lipids:
- amphipathic molecules:
- polar hydrophilic groups (exteriors)
- hydrophobic aliphatic side chains (interior)
The two classes of membrane proteins:
- Integral membrane proteins
- Peripheral membrane proteins
Integral Membrane Proteins:
- Proteins that traverse the entire width of the plasma membrane and have three domains:
- Cytoplasmic (hydrophilic)
- Membrane-spanning (hydrophobic)
- External (hydrophilic)
Peripheral membrane proteins:
- Proteins non-covalently attached to the cytoplasmic/extracellular regions of the plasma membrane.
Fluid structure is a characteristic of what part of the cell?
- Plasma membrane.
- many proteins and lipids can move laterally within the membrane.
When the plasma membrane is mechanically split, the internal (protoplasmic face) has more proteins associated with it. Why?

- Proteins associated with the P-face are stabilized by attachment to cytoskeleton of the cell.
How are transmembrane proteins stabilized?
- interaction with cytoskeletal proteins (actin, spectrin) that stabilize their position in the plasma membrane.
Hereditary spherocytosis:
- inherited disorder characterized by defects in RBC membranes.
- RBCs more spherical, less deformable, and more susceptible to destruction by phagocytic cells in the spleen.
- Mutations in spectrins are major cause.
What is the major cause of hereditary spherocytosis?
Mutations in spectrins.
Spectrins:
- cytoskeletal proteins that associate with several membrane proteins to stabilize the biconcave shape of normal erythrocytes (RBCs).
In the absence of spectrin, RBCs are more:
- more spherical (less biconcave)
- more sensitive to mild hypertonic solution
The 4 functions of membrane proteins:
LERT
-
linker/anchor molecules
- i.e. those that mediate interaction with intracellular cytoskeletal proteins (spectrin)
- enzyme function
- receptors that interact with signaling molecules
- transporter molecules governing the passage of substances into and out of the cell
Brush Border:
- a dense collection of microvilli protruding from the plasma membrane of some cells.
- e.g. small intestine - aids in nutrient absorption

Microvilli:
- extend as minute fingerlike projections from the top of the cells (apical surface)
- increase the absorptive surface

Junctional Complex:
- lateral borders of cells that allow cells to interact with one another.
- dark black line in-between cells in image.

Glycocalyx:
- consists of glycolipids, glycoproteins and proteoglycans.
- addition of the above occurs during biosynthesis in the RER.
- fuzzy coat is seen at the tips of the microvilli
- “Enteric Surface Coat” on slide

What is this an image of?

- cross section of individual microvilli
What supports the structure of individual microvilli?
- an internal cytoskeleton of actin filaments
Within the core of each microvillus are filamentous structures composed primarily of the structural protein:
- actin
- only seen via EM
Actin in microfilaments extends downward to terminate in a filamentous complex at the top of the cells called the:
- terminal web
- contains actin filaments as well as intermediate filaments, another cytoskeletal element.

What is the arrow pointing to?

- brush border formed by microvilli of intestinal cells
- LM
What are the arrows on the left side of the image pointing to?

- locations of the junctional complex
- i.e. TERMINAL BARS
- reddish dots at the tip of the arrowheads
Zonula occludens:
- tight or occluding junctions






















