Introduction to Plasma Membrane

Practice flashcards based on key concepts from the lecture on Plasma Membrane.

Plasma Membrane

A membrane composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates.

Fluid-Mosaic Model

A model that describes the plasma membrane as a dynamic and flexible structure with various proteins and lipids.

Hydrophilic

Attracted to water; refers to the head of phospholipids.

Hydrophobic

Repellent to water; refers to the tail of phospholipids.

Phospholipid Bilayer

Two layers of phospholipids that form the basic structure of cell membranes.

Cholesterol

A lipid that is interspersed within phospholipid bilayers, affecting fluidity.

Thermal Adaptation

The process by which organisms adjust to temperature changes in their environment.

Fluidity

The ability of the membrane components to move freely within the layer.

Integral Proteins

Proteins that span the membrane and are involved in transport and signaling.

Glycoproteins

Proteins with carbohydrate chains attached, involved in cell recognition.

ECM (Extracellular Matrix)

A network of proteins and carbohydrates outside of cells that provides structural support.

Transmembrane Protein

A type of integral protein that spans the entire membrane.

Functions of Membrane Proteins

Include transport, enzymatic activity, signaling, intercellular joining, and structural support.

Modification of Glycoproteins

The process of adding carbohydrates to proteins in the ER, making them functional in the membrane.

Vesicle Transport

The process in which substances are carried in vesicles from the ER to the Golgi and then to the plasma membrane.

Cytoskeleton

A network of fibers within the cell that provides structural support and aids in intracellular transport.