Cell Membrane

Glycoprotein

Protein with carbohydrate attached

Glycolipid

Lipid with carbohydrate attached

Peripheral membrane protein

A protein loosely attached to the surface of the cell membrane

Integral membrane protein

A protein that is permanently embedded in the cell membrane’s phospholipid bilayer, interacting with the hydrophobic tails. 

Phospholipids

Each molecule has a hydrophilic phosphate head and two hydrophobic fatty acid tails.

Hydrophobic tail

Part of a phospholipid that repells water, facing the inside of the bilayer

Hydrophilic head

Part of a phospholipid that attracts water, facing the inside of the bi-layer

Cholesterol

A type of lipid present in the bi-layer that helps maintain fluidity and structure 

Cytoskeletal filaments

A network of protein filaments in eukaryotic cells that provide structural support, enable cell movement, and facilitate intercellular transport.

Protein channels

Integral membrane proteins that form hydrophilic pores through the cell membrane, allowing specific ions and molecules to pass through.