Cell Membrane Overview

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the cell membrane.

Cell Membrane

Also known as the plasma membrane; it separates the interior of the cell from the outside environment and consists of a lipid bilayer.

Lipid Bilayer

A two-layered arrangement of phosphate and lipid molecules that form the cell membrane.

Selective Permeability

The ability of the cell membrane to allow some substances to pass through while blocking others.

Hydrophobic

Referring to molecules that are not attracted to water (nonpolar).

Hydrophilic

Referring to molecules that are attracted to water (polar).

Integral Protein

A protein that spans the cell membrane to facilitate the transport of molecules.

Peripheral Protein

A protein that is located on the surface of the cell membrane and does not pass through it.

Cholesterol

A lipid that is embedded in the cell membrane to maintain its fluidity.

Phospholipid

A molecule consisting of a phosphate head and two fatty acid tails that make up the cell membrane.

Fatty Acid Chain

The hydrophobic tails of phospholipids that repel water.