✅4 - Transport Across Cell Membranes Flashcards
What are plasma membranes?
All membranes around and within all cells, with the same basic structure
The cell surface membrane…
…surrounds cells and forms the boundary between the cytoplasm and the environment
What do phospholipids form?
A bilayer
The heads of phospholipids are…
…hydrophilic
The tails of phospholipids are…
…hydrophobic
Which way do the phospholipids in the cell membrane point?
The heads to the outside, attracted by water and he tails to the inside, repelled by water
What are the functions of the phospholipids in the membrane?
- allow lipid soluble substances to enter and leave the cell
- prevent water soluble substances entering and leaving the cell
- make the membrane flexible and self sealing
Where are proteins found in the cell membrane?
Interspersed within it
What is the function of proteins which don’t completely extend across the membrane?
To give mechanical support to the membrane or, in conjunction with glycolipids, as cell receptors for molecules such as hormones
What is the function of proteins which extend completely across the bilayer?
Protein channels - form water filled tubes to allow water soluble ions to diffuse across the membrane.
Carrier proteins - that bind to ions or molecules like glucose and amino acids then change shape to move them across
What are the functions of proteins in the cell membrane?
- provide structural support
- act as channels transporting water soluble substances
- allow active transport through carrier proteins
- form cell surface receptors for identifying cells
- help cells adhere together
Where is cholesterol found in the cell membrane?
In the phospholipid bilayer
What does cholesterol do in the cell membrane?
Adds strength, and are very hydrophobic so play an important role in preventing the loss of water and dissolved ions
What are the functions of cholesterol?
- reduce lateral movement of other molecules including phospholipids
- make membranes less fluid at high temperatures
- prevent leakage of water and dissolved ions
What are glycolipids made up of?
A carbohydrate covalently bonded with a lipid
Where are glycolipids found in the cell membrane?
From the phospholipid bilayer extending into the watery environment outside the cell
What are the functions of glycolipids?
- act as recognition sites
- help maintain the stability of the membrane
- help cells to attach to one another and so form tissues
What are glycoproteins?
Carbohydrate chains attached to many extrinsic proteins on the outer surface of the cell surface membrane
What are the functions of glycoproteins?
- act as recognition sites
- help cells to attach to one another and so form tissues
- allows cells to recognise one another, for example lymphocytes can recognise an organism’s own cells