Membrane Structure

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to membrane structure and functions as outlined in the lecture notes.

Phospholipid Bilayer

A two-layer structure consisting of hydrophilic heads facing outwards and hydrophobic tails pointing inward, forming a selective barrier.

Integrins

Membrane proteins that act as anchors linking the extracellular matrix to the cytoskeleton, stabilizing cell position and shape.

Fluid Mosaic Model

A model describing the membrane structure as a fluid layer in which lipids and proteins move laterally within the layer.

Cholesterol

A lipid that stiffens cell membranes, making them less flexible and less permeable.

Semi-permeable

Property of the membrane that allows certain small non-polar molecules to pass while blocking large or charged ones.

SDS (Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate)

A strong ionic detergent used in labs to denature proteins and displace lipid molecules from them.

Tight Junctions

Specialized cell junctions that restrict protein mobility in the plasma membrane of epithelial cells.

Glycolipids

Lipids with carbohydrate attached, found in the plasma membrane, contributing to cell recognition and stability.

Cell Cortex

A meshwork of filamentous proteins beneath the plasma membrane that provides structural support and flexibility.

Amphipathic

Describing molecules, like phospholipids, that have both hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts.