Cell Membrane Structure and Functions

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on cell membrane structure and functions.

Protein Channel

A transport protein that facilitates the movement of ions and molecules across a cell membrane.

Hereditary Spherocytosis

A genetic disease characterized by dysfunctional proteins in the cell membrane leading to spherical red blood cells and hemolytic anemia.

Glycocalyx

A sugar coating formed by carbohydrates attached to membrane proteins and lipids, involved in cell-cell adhesion and recognition.

Lipid Bilayer

A double layer of lipids arranged tail-to-tail, forming the basic structure of cell membranes.

Phosphatidylcholine

The most common phospholipid in biological membranes, consisting of a hydrophilic head and two hydrophobic tails.

Integral Protein

A protein that spans the entire lipid bilayer and can be involved in transport and signaling.

Fluid Mosaic Model

A model describing the flexible nature of cell membranes, depicting them as a mosaic of various proteins embedded in a fluid lipid bilayer.

Cell Cortex

A meshwork of proteins beneath the cell membrane providing structural support and shape to the cell.

Cholesterol

A lipid that stabilizes the fluidity of cell membranes, making them less permeable.

Single Pass Transmembrane Proteins

Proteins that span the lipid bilayer once and typically form channels for ion transport.

Multipass Transmembrane Proteins

Proteins that span the lipid bilayer multiple times, often forming channels or pathways for molecules to cross.

Vesicle Budding

The process by which a portion of a membrane forms a vesicle to transport materials within the cell.

Amphipathic Lipids

Lipids with both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) regions.

Peripheral Protein

Proteins that are attached to the membrane surface and do not penetrate the lipid bilayer.