Chapter 7: Membranes: Their Structure, Function & Chemistry

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to the structure, function, and chemistry of biological membranes, as outlined in Chapter 7 of the lecture notes.

Molecular and Cellular Biology

The study of the structure and function of biological molecules and cells.

Fluid Mosaic Model

A model that describes the structure of cell membranes as a mosaic of various components including phospholipids, cholesterol, and proteins.

Amphipathic Phospholipids

Molecules that contain both a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail.

Permeability Barrier

A function of membranes that prevents certain substances from passing through.

Compartmentalization

The division of cellular activities into distinct regions or compartments within a cell.

Fluidity

The property of cell membranes that allows individual lipid and protein molecules to move laterally within the layer.

Homeoviscous Adaptation

The ability of organisms to regulate membrane fluidity by altering lipid composition in response to temperature changes.

Integral Proteins

Membrane proteins that span the entire lipid bilayer and can be removed only by disrupting the membrane.

Peripheral Proteins

Membrane proteins that are attached to the exterior or interior surfaces of the membrane and can be removed by changing pH or ionic strength.

Glycoproteins

Proteins that have carbohydrate groups attached to them, functioning in cell recognition and signaling.