3.2 - The Plasma Membrane Flashcards
1
Q
What is the plasma membrane?
A
Flexible, Sturdy barrier composed of mostly lipids and proteins
2
Q
What three components make up the lipid bilayer?
A
- Phospholipid bilayer
- Cholesterol
- Glycolipids (carbohydrate/lipids)
3
Q
What are the two types of protein found in the plasma membrane?
A
- Integral proteins
- Peripheral proteins
4
Q
Describe the permeability of the plasma membrane
A
- Lipid bilayer is selectively permeable
- Permeable to: water and nonpolar molecules
- impermeable to: ions, large uncharged polar molecules
- transport proteins are sometimes required for transport
5
Q
Describe the types of transport proteins present in the plasma membrane
A
- Ion channels
- carrier proteins
- pump proteins
6
Q
What is the function of receptor proteins?
A
- Recognise and bind to a specific molecule
- stimulate a response inside the cell
- E.G insulin binds to receptors to facilitate intracellular shift of glucose
7
Q
What is the function of glycoproteins and glycolipids?
A
- Cell identity markers
- Enable cells to recognise similar cells
- Allow immune cells to recognise foreign cells
