B1.1 The Plasma Membrane
No description yet. This curated deck is ready for daily study.
Card preview (11)
What is the plasma membrane?
Partially permeable barrier controlling entry and exit of substances.
What model describes membrane structure?
Fluid-mosaic model: phospholipids with embedded proteins, dynamic and selective.
Major components of the plasma membrane?
Phospholipids, integral proteins, peripheral proteins, glycoproteins, glycolipids, cholesterol.
Function of phospholipids?
Form bilayer, act as barrier to large/polar molecules.
What are integral proteins?
Embedded proteins; span membrane; involved in transport/signaling.
Structure of a phospholipid?
Hydrophilic head (polar), hydrophobic tail (non-polar).
What are glycoproteins?
Proteins with carbohydrates; cell recognition, signaling, adhesion.
What are peripheral proteins?
Temporary, surface-attached proteins; support, communication, transport.
What are glycolipids?
Lipids with carbohydrates; structural support, cell recognition.
Function of cholesterol in membranes?
Stabilizes membrane, maintains fluidity across temperatures.
Why is the membrane selectively permeable?
Hydrophobic core prevents polar/large molecules from diffusing freely.