2.5 biological membranes Flashcards
explain the fluid mosaic model
the fabric of the cell membrane is a phospholipid bilayer, with proteins floating in it making a mosaic pattern
what is the role of the inner membrane of chloroplasts?
the THYLAKOID contains chlorophyll and is the location for some of the reactions in photosynthesis
what is the role of the inner membrane in mitochondira?
CRISTAE provides a large surface area and localises the enzymes needed for some of the reactions in areaobic repiration
what is the role of membranes WITHIN CELLS?
separates organelle contents from the cell cytoplasm so they can carry out their functions
what is the role of the plasm membrane at the SURFACE OF CELLS?
- separates cell components from the external environment
- regulates transport of materials
- can release chemicals
- contains enzymes
- has antigens
- has receptors to recieve chemical signals
- site for chemical reactions
what are 3 ways that substances can pass through membranes?
- very small molecules DIFFUSE between structural molecules
- some substances DISSOLVE in the lipid layer
- other molcules pass through special protein channels by CARRIER PROTEINS
Why are cell membranes partially permeable?
they dont allow all types of molecules to pass through them
what is the fluid mosaic model?
the theory of cell membrane structure with proteins e,bedded in a sea of phospholipids
what is a glycolipid?
a lipid/phospholipid with a chain of carbohydrate molcules attatched
what is a glycoprotein?
a protein with a chain of carbohydrate molecules attatched
what is a plasma membrane?
the cell surface membrane
What are 2 roles of glycoproteins in the cell membrane?
- antigens can bind to the antibodies
- receptors for cell signalling
Who proposed the fluid mosaic model?
Singer and Nicolson in 1972
Why is a membrane ‘fluid’?
The phospholipids can move within the bilayer
What is the ‘mosaic’ in the fluid mosaic model?
The proteins scattered within the bilayer make a mosaic pattern
What is the role of cholesterol in cell surface membranes?
Cholesterol makes the membrane more stable and rigid
What are intrinsic proteins?
Proteins that span the width of the cell surface membrane
What are examples of intrinsic proteins?
- protein channels
- carrier proteins
What are examples of extrinsic proteins?
- receptors
- enzymes
What are extrinsic proteins?
Proteins that are on one side of the membrane
What is cholesterol?
A type of lipid that gives mechanical stability and flexibility
What is compartmentalisation?
The separation of cell organelles from their surroundings with membrane
What do cells need to diffuse into them?
- oxygen
- glucose
What do cells need to diffuse out of them?
- water
- carbon dioxide
What do cells export?
- enzymes
- hormones
What is a passive process?
A process that uses kinetic energy rather than metabolic energy (ATP)
What are aquaporins?
Specific water channel proteins needed if there is a high rate of water movement
What is diffusion?
The movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration
What is facilitated diffusion?
The movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration across a partially permeable membrane via protein channels or carriers
How do ions move across the membrane?
They can’t diffuse directly so use facilitated diffusion
How do small polar molecules move across the membrane?
They diffuse slowly
How do small non-polar molecules move across the membrane?
They diffuse rapidly
Explain the effect that a higher percentage of cholesterol would have on a plasma membrane
More cholesterol means the phospholipids can move less so the membrane becomes more rigid
Describe what would happen to the structure of the cell membrane if it was exposed to temperatures below 0°C
The phospholipids will move closer together so that it is more rigid and less permeable. Ice crystals may form and proteins may denature