Lecture 11 Flashcards
6 functions of membranes
define the boundaries of the cell, regulate import and export, retain meatbolites and ions within/outside the cell, sense external signals and transmit info into the cell, provide compartmentalization with in the cell, and store energy as a proton gradient and support synthesis of ATP
How thick is a typical membrane?
30-100 A (3-10 nm) thick
Which leaflet of a membrane is typically positively charged?
The outer leaflet.
Phosphatidylserine on the outside for platelets and for other cells?
Platelets: activates blood clotting
Other cells: marks the cell for destruction
Phosphatidylenthanolamine where it is found and percentage of total
30% of total and found primarily on the inner monolayer. positively charged group head
Phosphatidylcholine where it is found and percentage of total
27% of total and found primarily on the outer monolayer. Positively charged group head.
Sphingomyelin where it is found and percentage of total
23% of total and found primarily on the outer monolayer. Positively charged group head.
Phosphatidylserine where it is found and percentage of total
15% and primarily found on the inner monolayer. Neutral head group
Fluidity and temperature
Fluidity is determined by ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids. To maintain constant fluidity, cells need more saturated fatty acids at higher temps
At higher temps you want what in the membrane?
longer, saturated fatty acids
At lower temps you want what to keep constant fluidity?
More unsaturated fatty acids.
T or F: Lipid composition is different in different organisms and in different tissues of the same organism?
True.
Plasma membranes have a high concentration of what?
cholesterol.
Integral proteins
firmly associated with the membrane, often spanning the bilayer. Helix spans (composed of hydrophobic residues - Ile, Leu, Val)
Peripheral proteins
weakly associated and can be easily removed. Some are non-covalently attached, some are linked to membrane lipids
Rho protein is what type of protein and attached how?
Peripheral protein and it is a form of isoprenelation.
Lateral diffusion of membranes
individual lipids undergo fast lateral diffusion within the leaflet
Transverse diffusion of membranes
spontaneous flips from one leaflet to the other is rare and slow. Since energetically unfavorable.
Flippases
outside to inside by hydrolyzing ATP
Floppases
inside to outside by hydrolyzing ATP
Scramblase
moves lipids in either direction toward equilibrium.
Cholesterol acting as a membrane fluidity buffer
It will decrease fluidity at lower temps, preventing fatty acids from packing too much. At higher temps, the rigid structure will prevent excess fluidity.
Membrane rafts
allow for segregation of lipids and proteins in the membrane. Longer tailed lipids will want to get together.
What regulates membrane fusion?
receptor proteins
3 Functions of proteins in membranes
receptors - detecting signals from outside; channels, gates, and pumps; and enzymes
Amphitropic proteins
same as amphipathic
How do peripheral membranes associate with the membrane?
electrostatic interactions (non-covalent) and hydrogen bonding with integral membrane proteins and/or lipid head groups; some contain a covalently attached lipid group that acts as an anchor.
What may peripheral proteins regulate?
may regulate membrane-bound enzymes or may limit the mobility of integral proteins by tethering them to intracellular structures.
Lipid anchored proteins
insert into membrane and can be stabilized by ionic interactions between the protein and the lipid head groups. Tail is a form of regulation.
GPI anchored proteins
glycosylated (sugar) derivatives of phosphatidylinositol. anchors to outer leaflet of membrane.
How many residues for an alpha helix to span the membrane?
20-25 helices. Made up of hydrophobic residues.