Chapter 3: Cell Membrane

carrier or transport proteins

A protein that transports specific substance through intracellular compartments, into the extracellular fluid, or across the cell membrane.

channels

A channel protein is a protein that allows the transport of specific substances across a cell membrane.

glycocalyx

1). Coating of sugar molecules that surrounds the cell membrane. 2). The glycocalyx is a glycoprotein-polysaccharide covering that surrounds the cell membranes of some bacteria, epithelia and other cells. Most animal epithelial cells have a fuzz-like coat on the external surface of their plasma membranes. ... The slime on the outside of a fish is an example of glycocalyx.

enzymes

A substance produced by a living organism that acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction.

flagella

Appendage on certain cells formed by microtubules and modified for movement. FUNCTION: allows a cell to move. While all three types of flagella are used for locomotion, they are structurally very different.

microvilli

Each of a large number of minute projections from the surface of some cells. FUNCTION: The microscopic microvilli effectively increase the surface area of the cell and are useful for absorption and secretion functions. A dramatic example is the human small intestine.

anchoring proteins

Lipid-anchored proteins (also known as lipid-linked proteins) are proteins located on the surface of the cell membrane that are covalently attached to lipids embedded within the cell membrane. These lipids insert and assume a place in the bilayer structure of the membrane alongside the similar fatty acid tails. Lipid-anchored protein. The lipid serves to anchor the protein to the cell membrane. The lipid groups plays a role in protein interaction and can contribute to the function of the protein to which it is attached.

membrane proteins

Membrane proteins are proteins that interact with, or are part of, biological membranes. They include integral membrane proteins that are permanently anchored or part of the membrane and peripheral membrane proteins that are only temporarily attached to the lipid bilayer or to other integral proteins. Membrane proteins perform a variety of functions vital to the survival of organisms: Membrane receptor proteins relay signals between the cell's internal and external environments. Transport proteins move molecules and ions across the membrane. ... Cell adhesion molecules allow cells to identify each other and interact.

recognition proteins

One of a class of glycoproteins or glycolipids that project above the plasma membrane and that identifies a cell as nonself (foreign) or self (belonging to one's own body tissue)

receptor proteins

Protein molecule that contains a binding site for another molecule (called a ligand).

cilia

Small appendage on certain cells formed by microtubules and modified for movement of materials across the cellular surface.