Cell Membrane Structure and Function

This set of flashcards covers fundamental vocabulary and key concepts related to cell membranes, transport mechanisms, fatty acid metabolism, and associated biochemical processes.

Phospholipids

Molecules consisting of a glycerol backbone, two fatty acids, and a phosphate group that make up cell membranes.

Transition Temperature

The temperature at which a cell membrane transitions from a more rigid to a more fluid state.

Saturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids that have no double bonds , which increase membrane rigidity and raise transition temperature.

Unsaturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids that have one or more double bonds, lowering membrane rigidity and decreasing transition temperature.

Cholesterol

A lipid that stabilizes cell membranes by regulating fluidity, preventing extreme fluidity at high temperatures and preventing rigidity at low temperatures.

Fluidity of Membrane

The degree to which lipid molecules can move freely within the membrane, influenced by fatty acid composition.

Active Transport

The movement of molecules against their concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Passive Transport

The movement of molecules down their concentration gradient without the use of energy.

Simple Diffusion

A type of passive transport where nonpolar small molecules move across the membrane without the assistance of proteins.

Facilitated Diffusion

A type of passive transport where polar molecules require a protein transporter to move down their concentration gradient.

Primary Active Transport

Active transport processes that directly use ATP to transport molecules against their concentration gradient.

Secondary Active Transport

Active transport that indirectly uses energy from primary active transport to move other substances against their gradient.

Symporter

A type of transporter that moves two substances in the same direction across a membrane.

Antiporter

A type of transporter that moves two substances in opposite directions across a membrane.

Beta Oxidation

The metabolic process of breaking down fatty acids into acetyl-CoA to produce energy.

Lipase

An enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol.

Acetyl-CoA

A metabolite that enters the citric acid cycle for energy production, derived from fatty acids or carbohydrates.

Albumin

A blood protein that transports fatty acids in a polar environment.

Cyclic AMP

A molecule that acts as a second messenger in signaling pathways, often activating protein kinases.

Aspirin

A drug that inhibits the enzyme prostaglandin H2 synthase, blocking the production of prostaglandins and reducing inflammation.

Glycerol

A component of triglycerides that can enter metabolic pathways such as glycolysis or gluconeogenesis.