plasma mebrane (bio 2/5)

Plasma membrane

thin flexible barrier that surrounds the cell and controls movement in and out

Phospholipid bilayer

double layer of phospholipids forming the basic structure of the membrane

Phospholipid

molecule with a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic fatty acid tails

Hydrophilic

water-attracting

Hydrophobic

water-repelling

Fatty acid

long hydrophobic chains that make up the tails of phospholipids

Amphipathic

having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts

Glycoprotein

protein with carbohydrate chains used for cell recognition and communication

Integral proteins

proteins embedded within the membrane that help transport substances

Peripheral proteins

proteins attached to the surface of the membrane for support or signaling

Cholesterol

molecule that maintains membrane fluidity and stability

Selective permeability

ability of the membrane to allow some substances through while blocking others

Membrane fluidity

flexibility of the membrane due to movement of phospholipids and cholesterol

Self assembly

phospholipids naturally form bilayers because of their amphipathic nature

Membrane repair

ability of the membrane to reseal itself when damaged

Compartmentalization

membrane separates the cell from its environment and organizes internal processes