Structure and Function of Plasma Membranes

Flashcards covering key concepts related to the structure and function of plasma membranes, including types of proteins, carbohydrates, and transport mechanisms.

Integral membrane proteins

Proteins that span the membrane; can have alpha-helices or beta-sheets.

Peripheral proteins

Proteins located on the exterior and interior surfaces of membranes, often attached to integral proteins or phospholipids.

Glycoproteins

Proteins with carbohydrate chains attached, important for cell recognition.

Glycolipids

Lipids with carbohydrate chains attached, also important for cell recognition.

Glycocalyx

The carbohydrate components on a cell's exterior, functioning in cell recognition and hydration.

Sterols

Membrane constituents, like cholesterol, that maintain fluidity and stability in the plasma membrane.

Selectively permeable

Characteristic of plasma membranes, allowing certain substances to pass while blocking others.

Passive transport

The movement of substances across a membrane without the use of cellular energy, typically from high to low concentration.

Diffusion

A passive transport process where substances move from high concentration to low concentration.

Tonicity

The relative concentration of solutes in solution which impacts the movement of water across membranes.