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Cell membrane
TEKS B.4B Cell membrane structure and function.
Term | Definition |
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Homeostasis | Cell steady balance of water, nutrients and energy. |
Cell membrane | Cell membrane, also called the plasma membrane, is found in all cells and separates the interior of the cell from the outside environment. The cell membrane consists of a lipid bilayer that is selectively-permeable. |
Phospholipid | A polar lipid composed of glycerol joined to two fatty acids and a phosphate group. Phospholipids form bilayers that function as biological membranes. |
Lipid bilayer | Means contain two phospholipid layers, one outer that is in contact to extracellular fluid and the inner that is in contact to intracellular fluid. |
Cholesterol | Cholesterol is a lipid that inserts into phospholipid bilayers, with its polar hydroxyl group close to phospholipid tails, to maintain membrane integrity, modulating rigidity and permeability. Cholesterol is embedded in animal cells but not in plant cells |
Integral proteins | Protein that is permanently attached to the biological membrane. |
Peripheral proteins | A class of membrane proteins that attach to the lipid bilayer, acting on the lipid-water interface. |
Channel proteins | Form a pore through the hydrophobic interior of the membrane to enable water soluble molecules to pass by facilitated diffusion. |
Carrier proteins | Permit the passage of specific molecules by facilitated diffusion or active transport. |
Hydrophobic | Not readily interacting with water; a molecule or substance that does not dissolve in or mix with water. |
Hydrophilic | Interacting readily with, or attracted to, water. |