Cell/Plasma Membranes Flashcards
Where is the plasma membrane located in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
In prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. In encases animal cells and is located just inside the cell wall of plant cells.
In animal cells, it’s located on the outside, and in plant cells, it’s located just inside the cell wall.
What does the plasma membrane contain?
Cytoplasm and encases the entire cell
What is the structure of the plasma membrane primarily composed of?
A Phospholipid bilayer
What creates the barrier in the plasma membrane?
Hydrophilic (polar) heads facing water and hydrophobic (nonpolar) tails pointing inward
What are the two types of proteins embedded in the phospholipid bilayer?
Integral proteins
Peripheral proteins
What are integral proteins?
Proteins that are integrated along the entire bilayer
What are peripheral proteins?
Proteins that are attached to the surface of the bilayer
What role do cholesterol molecules play in the plasma membrane?
Inserted into the membrane and fit between the phospholipids
What are glycoproteins?
Proteins with carbohydrate chains attached
What are glycolipids?
Lipids with carbohydrate chains attached
What is meant by selectively permeability of the plasma membrane?
Allows certain substances to enter and exit the cell via simple diffusion or facilitated diffusion (transport proteins)
What is the role of receptor proteins in the plasma membrane?
Receive signals from the environment and other cells
What is the importance of carbohydrate chains in cell recognition?
Allows other cells to identify each other, key for immune responses and tissue organization
What function does the plasma membrane serve in maintaining cell shape?
Protects the cell and helps anchor the cytoskeleton
In which processes is the plasma membrane involved?
- Endocytosis
- Exocytosis
