membranes

What are the two key properties of cell membranes that promote homeostasis?

Cell membranes are semi-permeable and selective.

What are phospholipids composed of?

A polar phosphate head and two non-polar fatty acid tails.

What does amphipathic mean in relation to phospholipids?

It means that phospholipids have both hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (water-hating) regions.

What model describes the structure of cell membranes?

The fluid mosaic model.

What type of membrane proteins are permanently attached and span the bilayer?

Integral proteins.

What are peripheral proteins?

Proteins that associate with one side of a membrane and are temporarily attached.

How do integral proteins differ from peripheral proteins?

Integral proteins cannot be easily dissociated from the membrane without disrupting the bilayer, while peripheral proteins can be dissociated using polar solvents.

What key functions do membrane proteins perform?

Junctions, enzymes, transport, recognition, adhesion, and transduction (JET RAT).

What is glycosylation?

The process of adding carbohydrate chains to phospholipids and membrane proteins.

What is the role of glycoproteins and glycolipids in cells?

They play important roles in cell adhesion, recognition, and maintaining structural integrity of the extracellular matrix.

What aspect of the fluid-mosaic model allows membranes to change size or shape?

The fluidity of phospholipids allowing them to move positions.

What does the glycocalyx refer to?

A sugar coat found in ova that mediates sperm binding.