Membrane Structure and Function

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to phospholipids, membrane structure, and function as discussed in the lecture notes.

Phospholipids

A type of lipid characterized by two fatty acids and a phosphate group, forming the fundamental building blocks of cell membranes.

Hydrophilic head

The polar region of phospholipids that interacts favorably with water.

Hydrophobic tail

The nonpolar region of phospholipids that repels water, consisting of fatty acids.

Micelles

Spherical structures formed by phospholipids with hydrophilic heads facing outward and hydrophobic tails inward.

Liposomes

Vesicles formed by phospholipids in water, containing an aqueous center and a bilayer membrane.

Selective permeability

The property of membranes that allows certain substances to pass through while restricting others.

Diffusion

The movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Fatty acid saturation

Refers to the presence of double bonds in the fatty acid chains of phospholipids, influencing membrane fluidity.

Cholesterol

A sterol found in animal cell membranes that affects the fluidity and permeability of membranes.

Kinks in phospholipid tails

Occur due to double bonds in unsaturated fatty acids, affecting how tightly the phospholipids pack together.