Cytoplasmic Membranes Flashcards
Basic structure of a Prokaryotic Cell?
Small
No membrane bound organelles
No nucleus
Basic structure of a Eukaryotic Cell?
Larger
Membrane bound organelles
Nucleus present
What is the Cytoplasmic Membrane composed of?
Phospholipid Bilayer
Sterols (eukaryotes) or Hopanoids (prokaryotes)
Peripheral and Integral Proteins
Carbohydrates
What are the two regions of the Phospholipid Bilayer?
Polar Head - Hydrophilic
Non-Polar Tail - Hydophobic
What makes up the Polar Head group of the Phospholipid Bilayer?
Glycerol Backbone
Phosphate Groups – Negatively Charged
What makes up the Non-Polar Tail group of the Phospholipid Bilayer?
Fatty Acids
Non-Polar Tail in Bacteria?
Short, Straight, Unsaturated. Ester Linkage
Non-Polar Tail in Archaea?
Short, Branched, Unsaturated FA or Hydrocarbon. More Heat Resistant. Ether Linkage to Head group
Non-Polar Tail in Eukarya?
Long, Saturated FA. Ester Linkage
What are the functions of Sterols and Hopanoids?
Sterols found in Eukaryotes. Hopanoids found in Bacteria. Strengthen, stabilize and make membrane less flexible
What are the functions of Integral Proteins?
Firmly embedded in membrane. Create pores and channels for transport
What are the functions of Peripheral Proteins?
More loosely attached to membrane. Bind substrates and interact with internal cellular function proteins.
What are the functions of Carbohydrates?
Cell type specificity (antigens), Adhesion to cells and surfaces, cell-cell communication
What are the functions of the Cytoplasmic Membrane?
Permeability Barrier, Protein Anchor, Energy Conservation
