Chapter 5 Cell Membrane

Plasma Membrane

• --the fluid mosaic model (S.J Singer) • -- semi-permeable• --fluid portion is a double layer of

phospholipids, called the phospholipid bilayer

Jobs of the cell membrane

• Isolate the cytoplasm from the external environment

• Regulate the exchange of substances • Communicate with other cells • Identification

Phospholipid Bilayer• Phospholipids contain a hydrophilic head and a

nonpolar hydrophobic tail• Hydrogen bonds form between the phospholipid

"heads" and the watery environment inside and outside of the cell Hydrophobic interactions force the "tails" to face inwardPhospholipids are not bonded to each other, which makes the double layer fluid

• Cholesterol embedded in the membrane makes it stronger and less fluid

Proteins embedded in membrane

• 1. Channel Proteins - form small openings for molecules to difuse through2. Carrier Proteins- binding site on protein surface "grabs" certain molecules and pulls them into the cell3. Receptor Proteins - molecular triggers that set off cell responses (such as release of hormones or opening of channel proteins)4. Cell Recognition Proteins - ID tags, to idenitfy cells to the body's immune system5. Enzymatic Proteins - carry out metabolic reactions

Transport Across Membrane

• Passive Transport• Simple Diffusion - water, oxygen and other

molecules move from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration, down a concentration gradient

• Facilitation Diffusion - diffusion that is assisted by proteins (channel or carrier proteins)

Osmosis

• diffusion of water. Salt SucksOsmosis affects the turgidity of cells, different solution can affect the cells internal water amounts

• Contractiles Vacuoles are found in freshwater microorganisms - they pump out excess water

• Turgor pressure occurs in plants cells as their central vacuoles fill with water.

Types of Osmosis Solution

• Isotonic: equal amount solute inside and outside of the cell.

• Hypertonic: More solute on the outside of the cell – Water will move out of the cell– Cell will swivel up

• Hypotonic: More solute inside the cell – Water will move in the cell– Cell will burst

Active Transport

• involves moving molecules "uphill" against the concentration gradient, which requires energy

• Endocytosis - taking substances into the cell (pinocytosis for water, phagocytosis for solids)Exocytosis - pushing substances out of the cell, such as the removal of wasteSodium-Potassium Pump - pumps out 3 sodiums for ever 2 potassium's taken in against gradient

•

Observation of elodea cells in salt water. What happens and why?

Modifications of Cell Surfaces• Tight junctions are composed of protein fibers that

seal adjacent cells to prevent leakage, something which can be useful in organs such as the bladder and the lining of the digestive tract. Tight junctions literally fuse the cells together forming a sheet of cells restricting molecules to one side of the sheet or the other.

• Tight junctions can also partition the cells in which they are found. Certain membrane proteins can be restricted to one side of the junction, as well, since the tight junction prevents protein migration within the membrane.

Continue…• Desmosomes anchor adjacent cells together by making

connections that work like staples or rivets that attach to components of the cytoskeleton. Many epithelial cells must adhere to adjacent membranes to prevent free passage or free movement, and to not break apart under stress.

• Desmosome filaments are composed of specialized glycoproteins proteins. Intermediate filaments of keratin in the desmosomes help strengthen the junction.

• Actin microfilaments can also attach to desmosomes, but have less strength

Continue…Plants have plasmodesmata - channels between the cell wall that cytosol can pass through

Continue…• Gap junctions are protein channels, called

connexons, between adjacent cells that permit the transfer of small molecules, such as nutrient monomers, between the cells. They are common in brain cells, forming the synapse, in many glands, and in cells in the heart muscle that coordinate contraction for heartbeat. Gap junctions can be gated.