Function of membrane proteins Flashcards
Integral & peripheral proteins; proteins which contain sugars – glycoproteins, glycocalyx; introduction to carbohydrates; cell surface carbohydrates in cell recognition.
What are some lipid types in eukaryotic plasma membranes?
Cholesterol, glycoproteins, and phospholipids.
What does “amphiphilic” mean in the context of lipids?
Amphiphilic molecules have both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) regions.
How does the plasma membrane’s fluidity affect its function?
Fluidity influences transport and enzyme activity; it must be tightly regulated.
What factors influence the fluidity of the membrane?
Lipid composition and temperature; the membrane can adjust fluidity in response to environmental changes.
What is the primary structure of the plasma membrane?
A lipid bilayer that provides the basic structure of cellular membranes.
What are integral membrane proteins?
Proteins embedded in the membrane that serve specific functions based on their composition.
What is the role of transporters in the plasma membrane?
They move nutrients, metabolites, and ions across the membrane.
What are linkers in the membrane?
Molecules - usually proteins - that join the membrane to intracellular or extracellular structures - structural integrity.
What role do receptors play in the plasma membrane?
They transmit signals from the environment or hormones into the cell.
What is the function of enzymes on the membrane surface?
To catalyze reactions at the membrane.
What is the glycocalyx, and what does it do?
A protective carbohydrate layer on the cell surface, important for cell recognition and protection.
What is glycosylation?
The process of adding sugars to proteins or lipids, which aids in cell recognition and binding/releasing growth factors.
