Understanding Plasma Membrane: Structure and Function
Explore the fluid-mosaic model, components, and functions of the plasma membrane, crucial for regulating cell environments and maintaining homeostasis. Learn the importance of carbohydrate chains and membrane fluidity in cellular activities.
Understanding Plasma Membrane: Structure and Function
E N D
Presentation Transcript
Chapter 5 Membrane Structure and Function part I Page ref. 84-86
Memorize these words!!! • inter – within ie. Hilo to Honolulu • intra – between, among ie. Hilo to Kona • extra – outside of (extracellular would be outside the cell) • glyco – containing sugar/carbohydrates (sugar-coated)
The fluid-mosaic model of the plasma membrane • The cell membrane is a fluid, phospholipid bilayer in which protein molecules are either fully or partially embedded. (see fig. 5.1 and 5.2)
Plasma membrane functions • to separate the internal from external environment of the cell • Regulates materials entering and leaving the cell. • Helps the cell, in turn the organism, maintain homeostasis
Plasma membrane structure • Made up of a phospholipid bilayer • Phospholipid: a molecule with a hydrophilic (water-loving) head and a hydrophobic (water-fearing) tail
Plasma Membrane Components • Cholesterol: a lipid found in bilayer, for strength of membrane • Proteins: peripheral (inside surface of membrane) or integral (embedded in membrane) • Some integral proteins protrude from one surface of bilayer, some protrude from both (transmembrane) • Phospholipids and proteins can have attached carbohydrate (sugar) chains. These are called glycolipids, and glycoproteins, respectively
Carbohydrate Chains • Carbohydrate chains of proteins in animal cell give cell a “sugar coat” called the glycocalyx. • Functions of the glycocalyx include protection of the cell, enables cells to adhere to one another, reception of signal molecules, and for cell-to-cell recognition
Fluidity of Plasma Membrane • Membrane fluidity critical to it’s functioning • At body temperature, it has the consistency of olive oil • This allows the cell to do all it needs to do – it makes the cell pliable
Homework • Due Thursday • All vocab AND • Reviewing chapter - #1-3 • Testing yourself 2,3,11,12,13,14