Membranes and Cell Structure

A series of flashcards highlighting key concepts related to cell membranes and their structure, functions, and components.

Fluid Mosaic Model

A model that describes the structure of cell membranes as a mosaic of various proteins that float in or on the fluid lipid bilayer.

Transmembrane Proteins

Proteins that span the entire lipid bilayer, involved in a variety of functions, including channels and transporters.

Phospholipids

Amphipathic lipids with a hydrophilic phosphate head and two hydrophobic fatty acid tails, essential components of cell membranes.

Glycolipids

Lipids with carbohydrate groups attached, contributing to membrane stability and cell recognition.

Cholesterol

A sterol that maintains membrane fluidity by preventing close packing of phospholipids.

Lipid Rafts

Microdomains within membranes that are enriched with certain lipids and proteins, involved in cell signaling.

Integral Membrane Proteins

Proteins that are permanently attached to the membrane and usually span the lipid bilayer.

Peripheral Proteins

Proteins that are not embedded in the lipid bilayer and are instead loosely attached to the surface.

Blood Type Antigens

Oligosaccharide chains on the surface of red blood cells that determine an individual's blood type.

Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS)

A detergent used in SDS-PAGE that denatures proteins and provides them with a negative charge for gel electrophoresis.

Lipid Bilayer

A double layer of phospholipids that forms the basic structure of cell membranes.

Plasma Membrane

The cell membrane that separates the interior of the cell from the external environment, composed of a lipid bilayer.