CELL MEMBRANE

▪ the boundary that

separates the living cell
from its surroundings
▪ controls traffic into and
out of the cell
▪ exhibits selective
permeability - it allows
some substances to cross
it more easily than others
STRUCTURAL
COMPONENTS
OF THE CELL
MEMBRANE
CELL MEMBRANE
properties
(1) Fluidity
(2) Semi-permeability
(3) Rigidity
▪ The cell membrane
is mainly composed
of lipids and
proteins.
▪ Its framework
consists of a
phospholipid bilayer
LIPIDS
▪ A group of organic compounds that are insoluble
in water
▪ Its examples include fats, oils, waxes and hormones
Amphipathic molecule
- Having both
hydrophilic and
hydrophobic parts
Semi-permeable
- Allows some materials
to pass through but
not all
Pliable
- Easily bent
Fluid
- Able to flow freely
PROTEINS
▪ Are biomolecules
made up of
amino acids and
joined together
by peptide bonds
Types of Proteins
▪ Integral - inserted
into the membrane and
most pass through the
membrane
▪ Peripheral - are
exterior to and
connected to the
membrane by
interactions with other
proteins
1. Structural proteins help to give the cell support and
shape.
2. Cell membrane receptor proteins help cells communicate
with their external environment through the use of
hormones, neurotransmitters, and other signaling
molecules.
3. Transport proteins, such as globular proteins, transport
molecules across cell membranes through facilitated
diffusion.
4. Glycoproteins have a carbohydrate chain attached to
them. They are embedded in the cell membrane and help
in cell to cell communications and molecule transport
across the membrane
CARBOHYDRATES
▪ Are biomolecules
made of C, H and
O
▪ Sugar, starches
and fiber are
some examples
CARBOHYDRATES
▪ They are mostly
found in the
external surface
Types:
- Glycoproteins
- Glycolipids
Functions:
▪ Forms distinctive
cellular markers
▪ Cell-cell
recognition
▪ Cell-pathogen
interaction
CHOLESTEROL
▪ A type of lipid found in cells
▪ Essential in the production of other
biomolecules like steroids, hormones and
Vitamin D
Functions:
▪ Regulates the fluidity of the cell membrane as
temperature varies
▪ The fluid mosaic
model describes the
structure of the
plasma membrane as
a mosaic of
components – such
as phospholipids,
cholesterol, proteins,
and carbohydrates—
that gives the
membrane a fluid
character.
▪ The fluid mosaic
model was
formulated by Singer
and Nicolson in 1972
FUNCTIONS OF THE CELL MEMBRANE
1. PROTECTION – Cell membrane acts like a
barrier that separates the contents of the cell
from the external environment
2. MATERIAL TRANSPORT – It is a semi-
permeable membrane that regulates the
transport of materials in and out of the cell
3. CELL SHAPE – It is where the cytoskeleton
attaches that helps in maintaining the shape
of the cell
4. COMPARTMENTALIZATION – It separates the
organelles from each other and from the
cytoplasm providing their own environment
and functional individuality.
5. CELL RECOGNITION – Enables cells to
identify other cells and foreign substances
6. CELL FUNCTION – It plays an important role
in the performance of cell function such as
locomotion, absorption and transmission.