Cell Membrane Fluidity and Transport

Flashcards covering the structure, fluidity, and transport mechanisms of the Plasma Membrane (PM).

Cholesterol

A lipid that acts as a buffer for the fluidity of the plasma membrane.

Lipids

Lipids make the cell differentially permeable.

Proteins

Proteins allow protein movement laterally (fluidity).

Lipids of the Membrane

Lipids of the membrane control fluidity.

Carrier Proteins

Proteins that help in the transport of molecules across the plasma membrane by binding to the molecule, changing shape, and releasing it.

Channel Proteins

Proteins that provide a channel or passage for facilitated diffusion.

Facilitated diffusion

Allow a side channel or passage for transport across the plasma membrane.

Adenylate Cyclase

An enzymatic plasma protein that converts ATP to cyclic AMP.

Cholesterol (Low Temp)

At low temperatures, cholesterol provides fluidity to the plasma membrane.

Cholesterol (High Temp)

At high temperatures, cholesterol provides rigidity to the plasma membrane.