Membrane Transport Flashcards
(113 cards)
Describe endocytosis
Membrane wraps around the molecule and brings it into the cells
Why is clathrin important in endocytosis
Aggravates aand binds to membrane
Forces it to bend inwards and pinch off
Describe exocytosis
Vesicles fuse with the membrane and releases its contents
Why is clathrin important in exocytosis
Hen it binds it opens up the vesicle
Describe the permeability of the phospholipid bilayer
High permeability to gases and steroids
Low permeability to ions
What determines the resting membrane potential
The distribution of ions across the membrane
What can oppose the movement of ins across the membrane
A charge difference
What is the importance of the Nernst equation
Predicts the equilibrium potential of conc gradient across membrane
What is the Nernst potential
No net movement of ions as net charge and conc are in equilibrium
Why is the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation better than the Nernst equation
It takes into account all the ions and their respective permeabilities
How is resting membrane potential generated
The asymmetrical distribution of ion especially Na+ and K+
The differential permeability of the membrane to the ions
Why is the resting potential closer to the Nernst value for K+
Membrane more permeable to K+ due to having more K+ leaky channels
Whats the permeability ratio of K+:Na+ in non excitable cells
2:1
What is the voltage clamp used for
To allow for detailed measurements and analysis of electrical activity across the tissue
How does the voltage clamp work
Apply and change the voltage in increments
Record the effect on ion channel currents
What does measuring the current in a voltage clamp show
The total ionic current flowing through the membrane
Describe how a patch clamp works
Recording pipettes isolate a patch of membrane on the cell surface
Measures current flow through a single ion channel
What is a gigaseal
High resistance seal between membrane and micropipette created by suction
Why is a gigaseal important
Minimises background noise that can swamp the single channel currents
What are the 2 types of secondary transporters
Co transporters i.e symporters
Counter transporter i.e antiporters
How does a symporter work
Couples movement of a solute w movement of another’s down its conc gradient
How do antiporters work
couples movement of 2 or more solutes in opposite directions
What is the equation for flux
Flux = permeability x conc difference
Describe the flux at equilibrium
Inward flux = outward flux
Net flux = 0