Biological Membranes

http://science.nhmccd.edu/biol/bio1int.htm

 A cell can be divided into

Plasma membrane
A.k.a. cytoplasmic membrane/ cell membrane

Cytoplasm nucleus

Fluid Mosaic Model

Thin lipid bilayer with proteins Constantly changing = mosaic Phospholipids (most), cholesterol and glycolipids

Phosopholipid
Polar head is hydrophilic Nonpolar tail is hydrophobic Self orienting and self assembling Assemble with heads out and tails in

Active/ Passive
Passive processes
Substances cross membrane without energy input from the cell

Active processes
Require cell to use ATP to move substances

Simple Diffusion
Unassisted diffusion of very small or lipid soluble substances Oxygen, carbon dioxide, fat soluble vitamins, alcohol

Facilitated Diffusion
Passive transport process using carriers or water-filled channels Glucose, other sugars, amino acids, and ions

Carrier
Transmembrane intergral protein with specificity for certain large substances (sugars and amino acids for example) Envelopes and releases substances to other side Limited by number of carriers available

Channel
Transmembrane protein that transports water or ions Some always open, other not Also limited by number available

Osmosis
Diffusion of water through a semipermeable membrane Crosses membrane on its own or through channels
Aquaporins

Occurs when water concentration differs on 2 sides of a membrane Generally only across capillary walls Forces water and solutes through a capillary wall using pressure Passive process based on a PRESSURE gradient
Higher pressure to lower pressure

Active Transport
Must use ATP to move the substances
Unable to pass using passive means

Too large, not lipid soluble, against gradient

Active transport
Requires carrier proteins to move against/ up a concentration gradient
From where there is less to where there is more

Transports only specific substances

Exocytosis

Exocytosis

Endocytosis