Cell Membrane Structure Flashcards

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to cell membrane structure, based on provided lecture notes.

Cell (plasma) membrane

Encloses the contents of the cell, separating intracellular components from the extracellular environment, allowing for precise control of internal conditions.

Phospholipid bilayer

Membranes consist of this; each consists of a polar phosphate head and two non-polar fatty acid tails.

Hydrophilic

The quality of a phospholipid's phosphate head; water-loving.

Hydrophobic

The quality of a phospholipid's fatty acid tails; water-hating.

Amphipathic

Having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts.

Integral proteins

Proteins that are transmembrane (span the bilayer) and permanently attached to the membrane.

Peripheral proteins

Proteins that associate with one side of a membrane and are temporarily attached to the bilayer.

Junctions

Connect cells together to form tissues.

Enzymes

Immobilizing enzymes on membranes localises specific reactions.

Transport

Allows passage of material across the bilayer (channel proteins).

Recognition

May function as markers for cell identification (e.g. antigens).

Adhesion

Act as attachment points for cytoskeleton or extracellular matrix.

Transduction

Functions as receptors for signaling pathways (glycoproteins).

Glycosylation of phospholipids (producing glycolipids)

Attachment of carbohydrate chains to phospholipids.

Glycosylation of membrane proteins (producing glycoproteins)

Attachment of carbohydrate chains to membrane proteins.

Adhesion (carbohydrates)

Carbohydrates can serve as attachment points for cells.

Recognition (carbohydrates)

Carbohydrates can also act as a point of recognition between cells (ABO antigens are glycolipids).

Fluid-mosaic model

Model that describes the key qualities of a plasma membrane: fluid and mosaic.

Fluid

Phospholipids can move position, making membranes amorphous (able to change size or shape).

Mosaic

The bilayer is embedded with proteins and carbohydrates, resulting in a mosaic of components.