Chapter 3 Cellular Level Flashcards
3 main parts of the cell
Plasma membrane
Cytoplasm
Nucleus
Plasma membrane
Flexible but sturdy barrier that surrounds and contains the cytoplasm of the cell
Structure of the plasma membrane
Lipid bilayer
Integral proteins
Transmembrane proteins
Peripheral proteins
Glycoproteins
Lipid bilayer components
2 back-to-back layers made up of phospholipids (75%), cholesterol (20%), and glycolipids (5%)
Lipid bilayer arrangement
Polar phosphate containing head towards ICF and ECF due to being hydrophilic.
2 non-polar fatty acid “tails” arranged together due to being hydrophobic.
Integral proteins
Extend into or through the lipid bilayer.
Peripheral proteins
Not firmly embedded in the membrane.
Glycoproteins
Proteins with carbohydrate groups attached to the ends which protrude into the ECF.
Ion channels
Integral proteins. Form pores that allow specific ions into or out of the cell.
Carriers
Integral proteins. Selectively move polar substance or ion from one side of the membrane to the other. Also known as transporters.
Receptors
Integral proteins. Serve as cellular recognition sites. Bind a specific molecule known as a ligand.
Integral proteins (enzymes)
Some integral proteins are enzymes that catalyze specific reactions inside or outside of the cell
Linkers
Integral proteins. Anchor proteins in the plasma membrane to neighbouring cells or to protein filaments inside and outside the cell.
Cell-identity markers
Membrane glycoproteins and glycolipids.
Membrane fluidity
Allows mobility, structural and mechanical support. enables cell movement, growth, division, secretion. Allows interactions to occur inside the cell.
Membrane permeability
Selectively permeable. Highly permeable to nonpolar molecules. Moderately permeable to small, uncharged polar molecules. Impermeable to large, uncharged polar molecules.
Concentration gradient
Difference in the concentration of a chemical from one place to another.
Electrical gradient
Difference in electrical charges between two regions. Contributes to membrane potential
Electrochemical gradient
Combined influence of concentration gradient and electrical gradient.
Diffusion
Passive. Random mixing of particles in a solution because of the particles kinetic energy.
Factors that affect diffusion
Steepness of concentration gradient
Temperature
Mass of diffusing substance
Surface area
Diffusion distance
Simple diffusion
Passive process in which substances move freely through the lipid bilayer without the help of membrane transport proteins.
Facilitated diffusion
Passive process in which solutes move down their concentration gradient by the assistance of integral membrane proteins (IE ion channel or carrier)
Channel-mediated diffusion
Solute moves down its concentration gradient through a membrane channel