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Cell Membrane Structure and Function (1)

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15 views19 pages

Cell Membrane Structure and Function (1)

Uploaded by

T Rex
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The cell membrane or plasma membrane is the part of the

cell that serves as a boundary and separates between the


intracellular and extracellular environment. This membrane is
made of a phospholipid bilayer--two layers of phospholipids,
which are molecules with both hydrophilic (water-attracting)
and hydrophobic (water-repelling) regions.
The heads of the
phospholipid bilayer is made up
of glycerol backbone and a
phosphate group, making it
polar and able to interact with
water molecules. On the other
hand, the tails are chains of
fatty acids. These tails are non-
polar and do not interact well
with water, causing them to
avoid it.
It has selective permeability--it allows certain substances
to pass through the cell freely than others, without the use of
energy. Because of this, the molecules are moving with the
concentration gradient, meaning from an area of greater
concentration to an area of lower concentration of solutes.
Substance that can easily pass Need Protein or Ion channels to
through the bilayer: help Pass through:
1. Small, non-polar molecules 1. Large molecules
• Examples; Oxygen (O₂), Carbon • Examples: Glucose, Amino acids,
Dioxide (CO₂) , Nitrogen (N₂), Nucleotides, Proteins (small peptides)
Ethanol (C₂H₅OH), Glycerol (C₃H₈O₃)
2. Lipid-soluble molecules 2. Charged ions
• Examples: Steroid hormones (such • Examples: Sodium (Na⁺),
as estrogen and testosterone), Fatty Potassium (K⁺), Chloride (Cl⁻),
acids, Fat-soluble vitamins (like Calcium (Ca²⁺)
Vitamin A,D,E,K)
3. Water (H₂O)
-needs Aquaporins to pass through
Lipids are vital for
storing energy, forming
cell membranes, and
acting as signalling
molecules in various
biological processes
Other structures in the
Phospholipid Bilayer
A.) Cholesterol:
-produces fluid for the
membrane and adds to its
flexibility.
B.) Proteins:
-enable the selective
transport of ions and
molecules, regulate
membrane potential,
facilitate signalling, and help
maintain osmotic balance
C.) Carbohydrate chain:
-Also called glycans, they
play a role in cell recognition
and communication,
adhesion, signal reception
and can help the immune
system distinguish between
self and non-self (foreign)
cells.
The interaction of water, solute particles, and
alternative materials within the cell is an important part of
how life exists. A cell must regulate all materials in its
surroundings to help it keep a relatively stable internal
environment. There are two ways in which substances will
enter or leave a cell.
1. Passive Transport
is the movement of materials across the cell membrane that
DO NOT need cellular energy. It relies on the natural motion
of molecules and their tendency to move from an area of
high concentration to an area of low concentration until
equilibrium is reached. These include diffusion, facilitated
diffusion and osmosis. Passive transport helps cells
maintain homeostasis (a stable internal environment) by
balancing the concentration of substances inside and
outside the cell
Diffusion Direct movement of small, non-polar molecules (like oxygen and
carbon dioxide) across the phospholipid bilayer. Molecules move
down their concentration gradient (from high to low concentration)
without needing energy or assistance from transport proteins.
• Example: Oxygen (O₂) entering the cell and carbon dioxide (CO₂) leaving the
cell
Facilitated Involves the movement of larger or polar molecules, which cannot
Diffusion easily pass through the hydrophobic core of the membrane, with the
help of transport proteins.
• Example: Glucose entering a cell through a glucose transporter protein.

Osmosis Transport of water molecules from an area with more water (low
solute concentration) to an area with less water (high solute
concentration). This movement is essential for maintaining the water
balance in cells.
• Example: Water moving into a plant cell in a hypotonic solution, causing the cell to
swell
2. Active Transport
This type of molecular transport needs energy or Adenosine
Triphosphate (ATP). Active transport also relies on specific
carrier proteins or pumps embedded in the cell membrane
that use energy to move molecules. Major examples of
active transport include re-absorption of glucose, amino
acids, and salts by the proximal convoluted tubule within the
nephron in the kidney.
Sodium- This pump moves 3 sodium ions (Na+) out of the
Potassium pump cell and 2 potassium ions (K+) into the cell,
(Na+/K+ Pump) maintaining the electrochemical gradient
necessary for nerve impulses and muscle
contraction
Proton Pump Proton pumps move hydrogen ions (H+) across
(H+ Pump) the membrane.
Calcium Pump Transports calcium ions (Ca2+) out of the
(Ca2+ Pump) cytoplasm into the endoplasmic reticulum or
outside the cell. It is crucial in maintaining low
cytosolic calcium concentration, which is essential
for muscle relaxation and cellular signalling.

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