Session 2 - Membrane Permeability Flashcards
Give a few examples of molecules that can pass through a membrane?
Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide, Nitrogen, Benzene, Water, Urea, Glycerol
Give some examples of things that cannot pass through a membrane
Glucose, Sucrose, Ions; Hydrogen, Potassium, Sodium, Calcium, Chloride, Bicarbonate
What is Passive diffusion dependent on?
Permeability and conc gradient
What model do facilitated diffusion proteins show?
Ping-Pong
Describe Active Transport
Transport of molecules/ions against an unfavourable concentration gradient and/or electrical gradient
It requires the energy from the hydrolysis of ATP
Name the three types of channel protein
- Ion channel protein (gated)
- Voltage-gated ion channel
- Ligand gated ion channel
Give an example of a ligand gated ion channel - one that passes the substance into the cell and one out of the cell
Into - Nicotine ACh receptor causing Sodium ions to enter the cell
Out of - ATP sensitive Potassium ion channel
What is a Uniport protein?
A membrane protein that transports one molecule per cycle in one direction
What is a Symport protein?
A membrane protein that transports two molecules per cycle in the same direction
What is an Antiport protein?
A membrane protein that transports two molecules per cycle in opposite directions
Describe the structure of the Sodium/Potassium ATPase protein
Contains an alpha sub-unit that is responsible for binding the substrates and a Beta sub-unit which is responsible for directing the pump to the plasma membrane
What are the two major roles of the Sodium/Potassium pump?
- Setting up Sodium and potassium gradients (important for electrical excitability)
- Driving secondary active transport
What is the result of one cycle of the Sodium Potassium pump?
2 Potassium ions have been transported into the cell with 3 Sodium ions being transported out
What is the effect of Ouabain binding to the Sodium/Potassium pump?
It inhibits its action
What happens to the potassium that is transported into the cell by the Sodium/Potassium pump?
It diffuses back out of the cells by Potassium channels - these channels are responsible for setting up the resting membrane potential