Cell Membrane Structure and Components

These flashcards cover the vocabulary of cell membrane components, including phospholipid structure, protein types, and associated molecules based on the lecture notes.

Phospholipid Bilayer

The fundamental structure of the cell membrane, consisting of two layers of phospholipids oriented with hydrophilic heads outward and hydrophobic tails inward.

Hydrophilic head

The polar part of a phospholipid that dissolves in water, composed of glycerol and phosphoric acid.

Hydrophobic tails

The non-polar part of a phospholipid that does not dissolve in water, consisting of fatty acid residues.

Integral proteins

Proteins that penetrate deep into the phospholipid layers of the cell membrane.

Surface (Peripheral) proteins

Proteins located on the surface of the phospholipid bilayer.

Transmembrane protein

A type of integral protein that spans the entire membrane, often characterized by an alpha-helix structure.

Cholesterol

A structural component of the cell membrane located between phospholipid molecules.

Glycoprotein

A membrane component consisting of a carbohydrate (węglowodan) attached to a protein.

Glycolipid

A membrane component consisting of a carbohydrate attached to a lipid.

Extracellular fluid

The liquid environment located outside of the cell.

Cytoplasm

The internal environment of the cell where the cytoskeleton is found.

Channel protein

A specific type of protein that facilitates the transport of substances across the cell membrane.

Globular protein

A protein with a spherical shape found as part of the cell membrane's structure.

Cytoskeleton

A network of fibers within the cytoplasm that provides structural support to the cell.