Chapter 4 transport across cell membranes Flashcards
What is a cell surface membrane
It is a membrane that surrounds cells and is the boundary between cytoplasm and the environment
What is the cell surface membrane made out of and what are the properties of this material that makes it suitable for the cell surface membrane
It is made from phospholipids and proteins forming a phospholipid bilayer The
Hydrophilic (water liking) head pointing inwards -> cell cytoplasm
Hydrophilic heads pointing outwards -> fluid which surrounds all cells
What are the components of the fluid mosaic model
Phospholipids
Cholesterol
Intrinsic (integral)proteins
Extrinsic (peripheral) proteins
glycolipid/glycoprotein
what are the functions of the cell surface membrane
To allow lipid soluble molecules to enter and leave the cell
Prevent water soluble molecules entering and leaving the cell
Make the membrane flexible
what is the function of cholestrol in the cell surface membrane
Restrict movement in membraneto ensure that water and mineral ions cannot leak out of the cell at high temperatures.
what is the function of glycoprotein in the cell surface membrane
They are made up of a carbohydrate covalently bonded to a protein.
act as recognition sites
helps cells to attach to eachother to form tissues
allows cells to recognise eachother (so lymphocytes dont attack the hosts cells)
what is the function of glycolipid in the cell surface membrane
They are made up of a carbohydrate covalently bonded to a lipid.
act as recognition sites
helps cells to attach to eachother to form tissues
help to maintain the stability of the cell surface membrane
What are the two types of proteins in a cell surface membrane
Intrinsic proteins and extrinsic proteins
What are the features of extrinsic proteins
On the surface or only partly embedded in it
- Mechanical support to the cell
- Act as cell receptors (for molecules such as hormones)
what are the features of intrinsic proteins
Intrinsic proteins:
Completely span the membrane
- Act as carriers to transport water soluble material across the membrane.
Why is the cell surface membrane model described as fluid and mosaic
Fluid - the phospholipids can move relatiive to eachother
Mosaic - the proteins can vary in size and shape
Picture of the fluid mosaic model of a cell surface membrane
What is diffusion
Diffusionis the net movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.
What is a concentration gradient
When the concentration of a particular molecule is greater in one area than another.
What is the equation for ficks law
Rate of diffusion = (Surface area x concentration gradient)/ diffusion distance