Chapter 4: Membrane Structure and Function Flashcards
What are the parts of a cell membrane?
- lipids (phospholipids)
- proteins
- carbohydrates
- cholesterol
What is the structure of a cell membrane as shown in a fluid-mosaic model?
- proteins (glycoprotein, integral protein, transmembrane protein)
- phospholipids
- hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions
- carbohydrate side chain
What are the functions of the cell membrane?
- regulates what enters and leaves the cell
2. provides protection and support in the cell
What is the permeability of the cell membrane?
selectively permeable–meaning that it differentiates between different types of molecules
passive transport
a type of transport that does not require energy; usually involves smaller molecules and moves down the concentration gradient
diffusion
the movement of a substance from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration
free diffusion
the movement of particles in a random motion through a membrane
facilitated diffusion
the movement of particles across the membrane down the concentration gradient assisted by a carrier protein
What is the cause of movement in diffusion?
the concentration gradient
hypotonic solution
a solution that contains LESS dissolved particles
hypertonic solution
a solution that contains MORE dissolved particles
isotonic solution
a solution that has EQUAL concentrations of impermeable solutes on either side of the membrane
What point is reached in diffusion?
equilibrium
equilibrium
the state in which the distribution of a substance is even throughout a region
What is the role of proteins in diffusion?
protein channels allow large or polar molecules to pass through the selectively permeable cell
osmosis
the diffusion of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane
How does water move in most cell membranes in osmosis?
very rapidly–if water moves too freely, the volume of the cell increases until the cell bursts
osmotic pressure
the forces of osmosis moving down the concentration gradient
active transport
a type of transport that uses energy; usually helps get large particles in and out of a cell and moves against the concentration gradient
How does active transport use energy?
uses energy stored in ATP to fuel transport
What is the role of proteins in active transport?
carrier proteins allow chemicals to cross the membrane against a concentration gradient
endocytosis
the process of taking in materials by pockets in the cell membrane
exocytosis
the process by which large amounts of materials are removed from a cell
pinocytosis
the process by which liquid is taken in by endocytosis and pinched off to vacuoles in the cell