the cell membrane Flashcards
function of plasma membrane
communication between cells/tissues + ensure structural integrity, as well as maintain chemical composition of the cells internal/ intracellular environment
why can certain molecules pass through the plasma membrane while others can’t
selectively permeable
another term for the plasma membrane
phospholipid bilayer
parts of the plasma membrane include
hydrophobic tail, hydrophilic head
what is the cytosol in the intracellular space of a phospholipid bilayer made up of
water
what is the hydrophillic head made up of
a phosphate group and a glycerol molecule
hydrophobic tail is made up of?
fatty acids
what are glycoproteins
carbohydrates attached to proteins
what are glycolipids
carbohydrates attached to lipids
what are recognition proteins
serve as identification markers for the cell
what are peripheral proteins
which are the proteins found on the peripheral surfaces of the membrane
what significance do protein receptors have
bind to specific signaling molecules called ligands. this binding causes the protein to change shape/carry messages to the inside of the cell
what role do channels/carrier proteins
within the plasma membrane are involved in the selective transport of substances across the membrane
what significance does cholesterol play in regards to the plasma membrane
it provides the rigidity to the plasma membrane and helps maintain its structural integrity
what are integral proteins
they cannot be removed from the membrane without damaging the cell, they span the entire membrane (transmembrane proteins) and act as protein channels
