Cell Membrane Structure and Function
glycolipid
A carbohydrate-lipid moleule involved in cell to cell recognition
Transport proteins
A molecule that helps to move ions and other molecules across the cell membrane
glycoprotein
A peripheral protein with a carbohydrate portion whose main function is helping the cell recognize other cells, and cell to cell communication.
a home central heating and air conditioning unit
A typical analogy/illustration to a negative feedback system.
Selectively Permeable
Allows certain things to pass through and prevents other things from passing through.
Integral protein
Also known as a trans-membrane protein, which is located throughout the cell membrane. Functions in transporting materials.
Decides what can enter or leave the cell.
Cell(Plasma) Membrane
Fluid mosaic model
Describes the composition of the cell membrane; states that different parts of the membrane can float in a fluid-like space
Phospholipid bilayer
Double layer of lipids; heads face outward, tails are in the middle
Phospholipids
Lipids (fats) that make up the cell membrane. They have a polar head with two non-polar tails.
Homeostasis
Maintaining stable internal conditions
Cholesterol
Molecules found throughout the membrane; help to stabilize the phospholipids and keep them in position, and help to maintain the cell membrane's flexibility
Giving birth
One of the two examples of positive feedback system in human beings.
Proteins
Scattered throughout the cell(plasma) membrane and responsible for most of the specialized functions of the membrane.
Cell (Plasma) Membrane
The major structure of the cell that helps maintain homeostasis in the cell.
negative feedback system
The net effect of the response to the stimulus is to shut off the original stimulus or reduce the intensity. These are more common and require continuous adjusting.
positive feedback system
The stimulus increases in strength and pushes the variable farther from the original point. These are rare and do not require continuous adjustments.
Hydrophilic
Will mix with water; polar phospholipid heads
Hydrophobic
Will not mix with water; nonpolar phospholipids tails
Golgi Apparatus
packages, modifies, and ships proteins throughout the cell.
