2.1.5: Biological Membranes Flashcards
What is the function of glycolipids ?
Used for cell signalling as receptors
What are the structure of glycolipids ?
Lipids attached to a carbohydrate chain
What are the function of glycoproteins ?
Used for cell signalling as receptors
What is the structure of glycoproteins ?
Proteins attached to a carbohydrate chain
What is the structure of a phospholipid ?
Phosphate group hydrophilic head (polar)
2 hydrophobic tails (non-polar)
What type of molecule is a phospholipid ?
Lipid
What is the function of a phospholipid ?
Forms a bilayer
What are the functions of an extrinsic protein ?
- Mechanical support
- Make glycoproteins/glycolipids for cell recognition as receptors
What is the function of an intrinsic protein ?
Form channel proteins and protein channels
- Channel proteins : Transport of molecules across membranes by binding to ions or larger molecules e.g. changes shape to transport glucose
- Protein channels : form tubes filled with water , water-soluble ions diffuse into channel
What type of molecule is cholesterol ?
Lipid
What are the functions of cholesterol
Controls fluidity of membrane so it can remain stable at body temperature and restricts lateral movement of other molecules across membrane
How does an increased amount of cholesterol impact a membrane ?
Becomes less fluid at high temperatures
How deep is a cell surface membrane ?
7nm
Give 3 roles of membranes
1) Site of chemical reactions
2) Site of cell communication
3) Partially permeable barrier between cell and its environment (compartmentalisation)
How does cell signalling occur ?
Signal by direct contact or by neurotransmitters (chemical messengers)
Why is cell signalling needed ?
Molecules can be too large to pass through cell membrane so must bind to membrane bound receptors
Outline the role of membrane bound receptors
Site where hormones and drugs can bind to
What are the 2 ways that drugs can bind to receptors ?
Block receptors - blocks normal antagonist messengers binding
Mimic receptors - mimic body’s normal messengers
Define simple diffusion
Net movement of particles down a concentration gradient from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration until equilibrium is reached
What are the 2 examples of passive transport ?
Simple and facilitated diffusion
Give 2 examples of simple diffusion
- Does not require ATP
- For lipid soluble and small molecules which can diffuse through the bilayer
Give 3 features of facilitated diffusion
- Does not require ATP
- For lipid larger or non lipid soluble (polar) molecules
- Require protein channels and carrier proteins to transport molecules across membranes
What can happen at a high concentration of molecules that need to be transported across the membrane ?
Carrier molecules become saturated