Cell Membrane
Membrane Proteins-
There are two types of membrane proteins:
1. Integral- These run completely through the bi-layer from the outside to the inside. These function in the transport molecules and foundation. (Help to maintain the integrity of the structure.)
2. Peripheral- These are located on one side of the cell membrane. (They do not extend into the bi-layer of the membrane. These act as sites for attachment of the cytoskeleton on the inside of the cell and the attachment of the Extra Cellular Matrix, ECM, (like armor for the fragile cell) on the outside of the cell.
The proteins of the cell can have several functions:
- Molecule Transport (Helps move food, water, or something across the membrane.)
-Act as Enzymes (To control metabolic processes.)
-Cell to cell comumunication and recognition (So that cells can work together in tissues.)
-Signal Receptors (To catch hormones or other molecules circulating in the blood.)
-Intercellular points for cytoskeleton and EMC.
1. Integral- These run completely through the bi-layer from the outside to the inside. These function in the transport molecules and foundation. (Help to maintain the integrity of the structure.)
2. Peripheral- These are located on one side of the cell membrane. (They do not extend into the bi-layer of the membrane. These act as sites for attachment of the cytoskeleton on the inside of the cell and the attachment of the Extra Cellular Matrix, ECM, (like armor for the fragile cell) on the outside of the cell.
The proteins of the cell can have several functions:
- Molecule Transport (Helps move food, water, or something across the membrane.)
-Act as Enzymes (To control metabolic processes.)
-Cell to cell comumunication and recognition (So that cells can work together in tissues.)
-Signal Receptors (To catch hormones or other molecules circulating in the blood.)
-Intercellular points for cytoskeleton and EMC.
Phopholipids-
The phospholipids form together to create a bi-layer due to its amphipathic characteristics. This mean that it has both a hydrophobic area and a hydrophilic area.The heads are hydrophilic and the tails are hydrophobic. The negatively charged phosphorus line up to make a barrier preventing water from forming hydration shells around the phospholipids and thereby dissolving the membrane. This structure controls what comes in and goes out of the cell.
Cholesterol Molecules-
Phospholipids help with the flexibility of the cell.