Lecture on Membrane Structure and Function

A series of vocabulary flashcards derived from the lecture notes on membrane structure and function.

Glycolipid

A lipid with a carbohydrate attached, playing a role in cell membrane structure.

Phospholipid

A major component of cell membranes, consisting of hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.

Hydrophobic

Repelling water; molecules that do not dissolve in water.

Hydrophilic

Attracting water; molecules that dissolve readily in water.

Lipid Bilayer

A double layer of phospholipids that makes up the cell membrane.

Fluid Mosaic Model

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

Membrane Proteins

Proteins associated with or within the membrane that perform various functions like transport, signaling, and structural support.

Cholesterol

A type of lipid that stabilizes cell membranes and maintains fluidity.

Transmembrane Protein

A protein that spans the entire membrane and can protrude from both sides.

Lipid Raft

Specialized microdomains in the membrane that organize cellular processes and signaling.

Flippase

An enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of phospholipids to the opposite monolayer of the membrane.

Oligosaccharide

A short chain of sugars attached to proteins or lipids in the membrane, contributing to cell recognition.

Cell Cortex

A meshwork of fibrous proteins that provides support and structure to the cell membrane.

Tight Junction

A barrier that restricts the movement of membrane proteins and maintains compartmentalization.

Membrane Domain

Specific areas within the membrane that have distinct functions and compositions.

Cytoskeleton

A network of protein fibers that help the cell maintain its shape and organize its contents.

Apoptosis

The process of programmed cell death, which can involve flipping phosphatidylserine to the outer membrane.

Glycoprotein

A protein with carbohydrate chains attached, playing important roles in cell-cell recognition.

Amphipathic

A molecule possessing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts, such as phospholipids.

Micelle

An aggregate of surfactant molecules in a colloidal solution, formed to minimize the unfavorable interactions between water and the hydrophobic tails.