MEMRANE PHYSIOLOGY Flashcards
1
Q
Describe the structure of the CSM
A
- Phospholipid bilayer
- Hydrophilic heads facing outwards
- Hydrophobic tails facing inwards
2
Q
Purpose/ function of the CSM
A
- Protects and separates organelles
- Compartmentalisation
- Separate intracellular environment
3
Q
How is an intracellular environment maintained?
A
- Specific concentrations of charged particles, anions and cations
- Specific proteins and organelles present
4
Q
How is an electrical potential between intra and extracellular environments established?
A
Concentration of charged particles inside the cell different to conc. outside the cell and this results in a conc difference between intracellular and extracellular environments
5
Q
What else can the electrical potential be referred to?
A
The ‘electrochemical gradient,’ which can also be referred to as the ‘resting membrane potential.’
6
Q
What are ion channels also known as?
A
Trans-membrane spanning proteins because they span the full thickness of the membrane
