L2: Functional organization of the cell membrane and transport through the cell membrane Flashcards
What is the cell membrane?
Very thin elastic semi-permeable membrane (allowing some substances to pass through it and prevent others) that surrounds the cell.
What is the thickness of the cell membrane?
: 7-9nm (70 - 90 Ao = Angstrom = 10-10 of meter)
What is the function of the cell membrane?
Β«STM GRCΒ»
- Separates the cytoplasm from ECF.
- Maintains the cellβs internal environment.
- Transports of macromolecules into and out of the cell.
- Controls distribution of ions e.g. Na, K extracellular ICF, and ECF.
- Contains receptors for hormones and transmitter substances.
- Generates transmembrane membrane potentials.
What is the structure of the cell membrane?
Lipids: 42%
Proteins: 55%
Carbohydrates: 3%
Lipids in the cell membrane
-They form the basic structure of the membrane.
Include:
- Phospholipids.
- Cholesterol.
- Glycolipids.
What are the types of proteins in the cell membrane?
- Integral or intrinsic proteins
2. Peripheral or extrinsic proteins
What is the site of integral or intrinsic proteins?
β’ Bind to the hydrophobic center of the lipid bilayer.
What are the types and functions of integral or intrinsic proteins?
i) Transmembrane proteins β span the entire bilayer which acts as:
β’ Channels β for the diffusion of small ions
β’ Carriers transport substances e.g. glucose
β’ Pumps actively transport ions
β’ Receptors initiate
intracellular reactions when activated.
ii) Present only on one side of the membrane: act as enzymes e.g. adenyl cyclase that forms cyclic AMP from ATP
What is the site of peripheral or extrinsic proteins?
Bind to hydrophilic polar heads of lipids or to integral proteins.
What are the types of peripheral or extrinsic proteins?
i) Peripheral proteins: bind to the intracellular surface of the membrane & contribute to the cytoskeleton.
ii) Peripheral proteins: bind to the extracellular surface of membrane & contribute to glycocalyx or cell coat.
What are the protein ion channels?
They are protein channels that allow the passage of ions e.g. Na+ ion through the cell membrane.
What are the types of protein ion channels?
1- leak ion channel
2- chemical-gated ion channels
3- voltage-gated ion channels
What is the definition of leak ion channels?
Channels that are always open
What are examples of leak ion channels?
K channels
What is the importance of the leak ion channel?
Resting membrane potential
What is the definition of chemical-gated ion channels?
Channels open when a chemical substance bind to its receptor
What are examples of chemical-gated ion channels?
K & Na channel at NMJ.
What is the importance of chemical-gated ion channels?
Graded membrane potential e.g. motor endplate potential