plasma membrane Flashcards
what is its function
Controls the passage of substances into and out of a cell
what is the plasma membrane
it is a bilayer of phospholipids
name the 3 parts to the phospholipid
head, two side by side chains of fatty acids
which parts make up the phospholipid head
polar head, phosphate group, glycerol
which parts make up the phospholipid tails
the two chains of fatty acid
describe the role of cholesterol
cholesterol helps to prevent the phospholipids from separating too far from one another. It keeps the cell membrane compact. Giving the membrane flexibility.
describe the role of phospholipids
the phospholipids allow small, nonpolar or noncharged molecules to pass through the phospholipid bilayer.
describe the role of carbohydrates
used foridentification purposes. Can be referred to as the receptor, this is one way the immune system knows to target foreign cells that belong to us.
describe the role of protein channels
protein channels allow certain objects to pass through the phospholipid bilayer such as objects with a charge or glucose!
describe the role of cytoskeleton
They help to give internal support and are a pathway for molecule transport
outline features of the plasma membrane that allow it to be referred to as fluid mosaic
- mosaic because it is made from a variety of parts
- fluid as those parts can drift around in motion
explain the term hydrophilic
relates to the phosphate head means that it is attracted to water
philic = LOVE
explain the term hydrophobic
hydrophobic, as in the lipid tail is fearing / not attracted to water
Phobic = afraid
describe the term semipermeable
meaning only some materials are able to pass through the plasma membrane.
