PM component

Phospholipid

Forms the primary structure of the plasma membrane, arranged in a bilayer, with a hydrophilic head facing the outside and inside of the cell and hydrophobic tails embedded inside the membrane.

Steroids

Hydrophobic molecules with a hydroxyl group that act as a fluidity buffer in cell membranes.

α-helical bundle

Integral membrane proteins that span the membrane, consisting of hydrophilic regions facing the interior and hydrophobic regions facing the lipid bilayer.

Beta-barrels

Protein structures characterized by alternating hydrophobic and hydrophilic amino acids, facilitating molecular transport across membranes.

Eukaryotic Cell

Cells that contain membrane-bound organelles, including a nucleus, typically found in animals and plants.

Prokaryotic Cell

Cells that lack membrane-bound organelles and typically include organisms like bacteria, having structures like a nucleoid and plasmids.

Both Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Cells

Both types of cells contain DNA, ribosomes, cytoplasm, and a cell membrane.

Cell Wall

A rigid structure found in prokaryotic cells and some eukaryotic cells (like plants) that provides support and protection.

Plasmid

Small, circular DNA molecules found in prokaryotic cells that can replicate independently of chromosomal DNA.

Phospholipid

A type of lipid with a hydrophilic head facing the inside and outside of the cell and a hydrophobic tail embedded inside the membrane; forms the primary structure of the plasma membrane.

Role of Phospholipids

Forms the primary structure of the plasma membrane, arranged in a bilayer, acting as a barrier that separates the cell's interior from the outside.

Steroids

Lipids characterized by a hydrophobic tail and hydrophilic hydroxyl group, present in cell membranes.

Role of Steroids

Acts as a fluidity buffer within the cell membrane.

α-helical bundle

Integral membrane proteins that span the membrane, often formed through alpha helices.

Role of α-helical bundles

Acts as channels, transporters, receptors, or enzymes, allowing specific molecules to pass through or transmitting signals across the membrane.

Beta-barrels

Proteins with alternating hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions used in the cell membrane.

Role of Beta-barrels

Facilitates molecular transport across membranes