Cell membrane key words Flashcards
Membranes consisting of a phospholipid bilayer found around and within all cells. The cell-surface membrane is the plasma membrane that surrounds cells
Plasma membrane
Triglyceride in which one of the three fatty acid molecules is replaced by a phosphate molecule. Phosopholipids are important in the structure and function of plasma membranes
Phospholipid
A membrane consisting of two layers of phospholipids
Bilayer
A protein completely spanning the phospholipid bilayer which form water-filled tubes to allow water-soluble ions to diffuse across the membrane
Protein channel
A protein completely spanning the phospholipid bilayer which bind to ions or molecules then changer shape in order to move these molecules across the membrane
Carrier protein
Carbohydrate chains attached to a protein (often extrinsic) which are part of the cell surface membrane. They act as recognition sites, help cells to attach to one another and allows cells to recognise one another
Glycoprotein
A carbohydrate covalently bonded with a lipid. They act as recognition sites, help maintain stability of the membrane and help cells attach to one another
Glycolipid
Lipid that is an important component of cell-surface membranes because it adds strength. Excess in the blood can lead to atheroma
Cholesterol
How permeable a substance is depends on the size, polarity and charge of the molecule. If it is small, non-polar and fat soluble it is very permeable and can pass through the cell membrane
Permeability
The arrangement of the various molecules of the cell-surface membrane. Fluid because the individual phospholipid molecules can move relative to one another and mosaic because the proteins vary in shape, size and pattern
Fluid mosaic model
The net movement of molecules (or ions) from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration. It is passive.
Diffusion
Diffusion involving the presence of protein carrier molecules to allow the passive movement of substances (normally large, polar or charged molecules) across plasma membrane
Facilitated diffusion
The passage of water from a region where there is a higher water potential to a region where there is a lower water potential through a partially permeable membrane
Osmosis
The pressure created by water molecules. It is the measure of the extent to which a solution gives out water. The greater the number of water molecules present, the higher (less negative) the water potential. Pure water has a water potential of zero
Water potential
A solution which has the same water potential as the cell within it
Isotonic
