[ GEN BIO ] Lesson 13: Structure and Functions of the Cell Membrane

LDL cholesterol

This can clog the arterial walls.

Cholesterol

is an important structural component of the plasma membrane of cells.

lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins.

The cell membrane consists of a diversity of (3):

Fluidity

It imparts flexibility to the membrane which is important for cells that particularly move.

Fluidity

allows the synthesized membrane proteins and phospholipids to be easily incorporated into the membrane.

Cholesterol

prevents the membrane from becoming too solid at lower temperature

Unicellular Amoeba

is capable of moving using its pseudopods or false feet because of the natural fluidity of the plasma membrane.

Transport proteins

Type of protein that may either be channel proteins or carrier proteins.

double bonds

The presence of ___ in fatty acids helps maintain membrane fluidity.

Adhesion proteins

Type of protein that fasten adjacent cells together in animal tissues.

Recognition proteins

Type of protein that help in recognition when the body is being invaded by pathogens so that the necessary immune response may be triggered.

Receptor proteins

Type of protein that have certain shapes that allow only specific molecules to bind to them.

Carbohydrate Chains

occur only on the outside surface of the lipid bilayer or on the peripheral proteins

Cell Membrane

primary barrier of the cell, allows the cell to move and grow, and receives information or stimulus

fluid mosaic model

The plasma membrane is described by the __________ because its structure is composed of diverse protein molecules embedded in a mosaic-like fashion in the fluid phospholipid bilayer.

glycolipids

The phospholipids with the attached carbohydrates chains

glycoproteins

proteins with carbohydrate chains which can be found on the outside surface of the cell. They usually function for cell-cell recognition.

Diverse proteins

are associated with the plasma membrane, and they are functionally classified into whether they transport molecules, aid in the recognition of other cells, or whether they determine the presence of substances in the extracellular environment.

selectively permeable

The phospholipid bilayer is ______ because it only allows certain substances into cells while keeping others out.

Concentration Gradient

The molecules that pass through the plasma membrane follow a _______ wherein they move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Phospholipid bilayer

Is selectively permeable