Plasma membrane

Phospholipid bilayer

Structure of the plasma membrane composed of hydrophilic heads facing outwards and hydrophobic tails facing inwards.

Transmembrane proteins

Integral proteins that span the entire membrane, facilitating transport and communication.

Peripheral proteins

Proteins located on the surface of the plasma membrane, aiding in its structure and function.

Carbohydrates in the plasma membrane

Attached to proteins or lipids, crucial for cell recognition and communication.

Cholesterol in the membrane

Molecule that helps maintain the fluidity and stability of the plasma membrane.

Fluid Mosaic Model

Describes the plasma membrane structure as a dynamic mixture of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates.

Selective permeability

The ability of the plasma membrane to control the entry and exit of substances.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to high.

Hypotonic solution

A solution when water enters the cell, causing it to swell and possibly burst.

Hypertonic solution

A solution where water moves out of the cell, leading to cell shrinkage.

Isotonic solution

A solution where there is no net movement of water, keeping the cell's size unchanged.

Passive transport

Movement of substances across the membrane without the use of energy.

Active transport

The movement of substances against their concentration gradient, requiring energy (ATP).

Endocytosis

The process by which a cell takes in materials through vesicle formation.

Exocytosis

The process by which a cell expels materials through vesicle secretion.

Glycocalyx

A sugary coating on the outer surface of the plasma membrane that aids in recognition and communication.

Dynamic equilibrium

A state in which the concentration of substances remains balanced through equal rates of movement in and out.