USC Bridge 2.2 plasma membrane
Plasma membrane
Selectively permeable- has a hydrophobic bilayer- allows hydrophobic molecules and small molecules like O2 can sneak between the membrane. Large hydrophilic molecules cannot pass through the membrane ie: glucose, sodium ions, hydrogen ions.
Separates interior and exterior of the cell
called cell membrane because it is the outermost coating of the cell
Phospholipids
Forms the basic fabric of the membrane. Constructed of phospholipids which have a polar head that is charged and hydrophilic, they lie on the inner and outer surface of the membrane. It also has a uncharged nonpolar tail that is hydrophobic which lines up the center of the membrane.
maintains its spherical shape
allows them to reseal when torn
Membrane proteins
Allow cell communication with the environment
Proteins make up about half of the mass of plasma membrane
have specialized membrane functions
two types: integral proteins and peripheral proteins
Integral proteins
Firmly inserted into the lipid bilayer, some protrude from one membrane face only, but most are transmembrane proteins that span the entire width of the membrane and protrude on both sides
Peripheral proteins
Not imbedded in the lipid layer, loosely attached inside or outside on integral proteins and are easily removed without disturbing the membrane.
some peripheral proteins are called enzymes others are motor proteins.
6 membrane protein tasks:
- Transportation
- receptors for signal transduction
- attachment to the cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix
- enzyme activity
- intercellular joining
- cell cell recognition
Transport proteins
Protein on the membrane that provide a channel for certain molecules to enter the cell
Receptor molecules
Bond to signal molecules and can then emit second messengers which trigger changes inside a cell
Receptors are thus important links in the system of communication among cells
some signal molecules such as hormones are also proteins
Structural proteins
Shape and anchor cells, serve as tracks along who cell parts can move.
Bind cells together making organized units such as muscles, ligaments, and the tendons that bind muscles to bones
silk of spiders and hair of mammals are structural proteins
Cell enzymes
A protein that changes the rate of a chemical reaction without changing into a different molecule in the process
promote and regulate all chemical reactions in cells
Diffusion
Tendency of molecules or ions to move from an area where they are in higher concentration to an area where they are in lower concentration. Can also be described as molecules moving down their concentration gradient.
Diffusion is based on concentration, collision, molecular size, and if a molecule is a lipid soluble molecule
Passive process
No energy is required for substances to move across the plasma membrane
go across via diffusion or a channel.
Facilitated Diffusion
Certain hydrophilic molecules are transported passively down their concentration gradient ie: glucose, amino acids, and ions
the transported substance either binds to protein carriers in the membrane, or moves through water filled protein channels.
Carrier-mediated facilitated diffusion
Substances bind to protein and carries it through
Channel-mediated facilitated diffusion
Smaller molecules move through water filled channels, selected based on size.
Active process
Energy (ATP) is required to move substance across the plasma membrane
Active transport (Solute pumps)
Move solutes like ions (Na, K, Ca) against the concentration gradient. Requires cells to expend energy (ATP).
two types: primary and secondary active transport
Vesicular transport
Large particles are transported through the cellular membrane in sacs or vesicles
Cellular ATP energy
Chemical energy released when glucose is broken down is captured in ATP
ATP directly powers chemical reactions in cells and offers immediate usable energy needed by body cells
structure of ATP- adenine- containing RNA nucleotide with two additional phosphate groups
Structure of ATP
Uses of ATP in cells for transport
Primary active transport
Required energy come directly from ATP hydrolysis
Secondary active transport
Required energy is obtained indirectly from ionic gradients created by primary active transport
Phospholipids orient themselves in aqueous solutions such that:
The polar heads face the interior and exterior of the cell with the tails forming the center of the membrane
When movement of Na ions down their concentration gradient drives the transport of other substances across the membrane it's called:
Secondary active transport