BIOL 2410 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Fluid Mosaic Model, Tight Junction, Hydrophile
25 Sep 2016
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Document Summary
Functions of the cell membrane: the cell membrane serves as a physical barrier. Separates the cytoplasm from the interstitial uid: serves as a location to receive incoming signals. Houses receptors that bind to ligands (ex) hormones. Ligand binding activated the cell: contains proteins important for cell and tissue structure. Membrane proteins can clip" into one another forming tight junctions. Some membrane proteins create channels for communication between adjacent cells -> gap junctions - important for electrical current charges (in heart muscle) Other membrane proteins attach to the cytoskeleton and/or the extracellular matrix helping to maintain cell shape/position of the cell in the tissue important permeability barrier. Hydrophobic membrane interior prevents spontaneous movement of hydrophilic materials into and out of the cell. Hydrophilic molecules are generally only able to relocate with the use of transmembrane proteins. Membrane phospholipids contain a mix of saturated and unsaturated fatty acid tails. Allows for the movement of materials locate dint he membrane.
