Transport across cell membranes Flashcards
Why are phospholipids important
HydrophIlic HEADS = attracted to water
HydrophObic TAILS = repelled by water
Functions of phospholipids
Allow lipid-soluble substances to enter and leave the cell
Prevent water-soluble substances entering and leaving
Make membrane flexible and self-sealing
Proteins in bilayer use
Never extend completely across surface of bilayer
Give mechanical support
Cell receptors
Functions of proteins in membrane
Structural support
Channels transporting water-soluble substances
Allow active transport
Form cell-surface receptors for identifying cells
Help cells adhere together
Receptors
Cholesterol molecules function
Add strength
Hydrophobic to prevent water loss and dissolved ions
Pull together fatty acid tails of phospholipid molecules, limiting movement
What are glycolipids made up of
Carbohydrate + lipid
Functions of glycolipids
Recognition sites
Maintain stability
Help cells attach to one another
What are Glycoproteins made up of
Carbohydrate chains on outer surface of of cell membrane
Function of glycoproteins
Recognition sites
Help cells attach to form tissues
Allow cells to recognise one another
Why molecules do not freely diffuse across permeable cell surface membrane
Not soluble in lipids
Too large
Same charge as charge on protein channels -> so repel
Polar so have difficultly passing through non-polar hydrophobic tails
Why is a fluid mosaic model of cell-surface membrane called fluid and mosaic
Fluid = phospholipid molecules can move relative to one another
Mosaic = Proteins vary in shape, size pattern (same way mosaics do)
What form of transport is diffusion
Passive
What occurs in all passive forms of transport
Particles constantly in motion due to kinetic energy they possess
Motion is random
Bounce off one another
What does passive transport mean
The energy comes from the natural, inbuilt motion of particles, rather than some external source
Diffusion definition
The net movement of molecules or ions
From an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration
Facilitated diffusion definition
Diffusion involving presence of protein carrier molecules to allow the passive movement of substances across plasma membranes
Two types of proteins involved in facilitated diffusion
Protein channels
Carrier proteins
Where does facilitated diffusion occur
Down a concentration gradient
Protein channels form
Water-filled hydrophilic channels across the membrane
What do protein channels allow
Specific water-soluble ions to pass through
How do protein channels work
Channels are selective, open in presence of specific ion and otherwise are closed