PHYL 1001 MODULE 2 (PLASMA MEMRANE/CELL JUNCTIONS)

Phosphate head

Composed of phosphate (hydrophilic)

Lipid tail

Fatty acid tail (hydrophobic), acts as a barrier between ECF/ICF

Proteins

Plays a role in transporting, communicating and providing support between the bilayer

Carbohydrates

Doesn't play a huge role, but provides extra structural support

Cholesterol

Also provides barrier between ICF/ECF

Communicating Junctions

Gap Junctions: allows for rapid communication between cells

Example of Gap Junctions

The heart is linked with gap junctions to make sure signals travel quickly and cells contract at the same time

Occluding Junctions

Tight Junctions: does not allow movement of materials between cells

Example of Tight Junctions

The small intestine is linked with tight junctions to prevent unwanted material being transferred to the external environment

Anchoring Junctions

Desmosomes: The strongest anchoring junctions, attaches neighbouring cells together within tissues i.e acts as a zipper

Example of Desmosomes

The heart is linked together by desmosomes to keep the structure intact when it contracts

Draw and label the fluid mosaic model.