Cell Anatomy and Membrane Protein Functions

Vocabulary flashcards covering cell structural components, surface regions, and functional classes of membrane proteins from Anatomy and Physiology.

Receptor

A membrane protein that binds to chemical messengers, such as hormones sent by other cells, to trigger internal changes.

Enzyme

A membrane protein that breaks down a chemical messenger and terminates its effect.

Channel

A channel protein that is constantly open and allows solutes to pass into and out of the cell.

Gated channel

A membrane protein gate that opens and closes to allow solutes through only at certain times.

Cell-identity marker

A glycoprotein acting as a marker that distinguishes the body's own cells from foreign cells.

Cell-adhesion molecule (CAM)

A membrane protein that mechanically links a cell to another cell and extracellular material, binding one cell to another.

Carriers

Membrane proteins that bind solutes and transfer them across the membrane.

Extracellular face of membrane

The outer side of the plasma membrane exposed to the extracellular fluid.

Intracellular face of membrane

The inner side of the plasma membrane facing the intracellular fluid.

Transmembrane protein

A protein that spans across the phospholipid bilayer of the cell membrane.

Peripheral protein

A protein positioned on either the intracellular or extracellular face of the plasma membrane.

Apical cell surface

The upper or outer exposed region of a cell's plasma membrane.

Basal cell surface

The bottom surface of a cell resting adjacent to the basement membrane.

Lateral cell surface

The side region of a cell surface facing neighboring cells across the intercellular space.

Hemidesmosome

A cellular structure located near the basal cell surface that anchors the cell to the basement membrane.

Desmosome

An intercellular cell junction structure located along the lateral cell surface.