Structure and Function of the Cell A&P 1

What are the 3 major parts most cells contain

Plasma membrane, Cytoplasm, Nucleus

The Plasma Membrane

• Regulates what gets in and out of the cell

• Composed of lipids and carbohydrates

• Forms outer cell boundary.

Lipids of the Plasma Membrane

• Provide stability

• Most are phospholipids and cholesterol

Proteins of the Plasma Membrane

Function as markers, attachment sites, channels, receptors, enzymes or carriers

Marker Molecules

• Involved with cell to cell recognition

• most are glycoproteins (glycolipids also act as marker molecules)

Attachment Proteins

Attach cells to other cells

Channel Proteins

Involved with transportation of substances IN and OUT of a cell

Receptor Proteins

Contain binding sites that can attach SPECIFIC substances

Enzymes

Catalyze (speed up) chemical reactions on either the inner or outer surface of the plasma membrane