Transport

Mechanisms
• It refers to the different pathways and
processes a cell must move substances
in, out and around itself.
 Cell Membrane
• Serves as a boundary between the cell’s
internal and external environment.
Regulate all the substances that enter and
exits the cell.
• Exhibits selective permeability, which is
why it is referred to as semi-permeable
membrane
 STRUCTURE AND ORGANIZATION

• The main body of the plasma membrane

is composed of an amphipathic molecule
known as a Phospholipid.
 AMPHIPATHIC

• Having both hydrophilic and

hydrophobic parts.
 STRUCTURE AND ORGANIZATION

• This unique structure allows the plasma

membrane to adopt a bilayer structure
wherein the hydrophilic surface is facing
both the aqueous external environment
and cytosol (intracellular fluid).
Because of its hydrophobic properties the
tails form an internal layer. These factors
cause the plasma membrane to be semi-
permeable to certain substances.
STRUCTURE OF THE PLASMA
MEMBRANE
• The plasma membrane is represented
using the model known as the fluid
mosaic.
• It is considered fluid because the
membrane exhibits properties that
resemble a fluid in which lipids and
protein can move to each other within the
membrane.
 Mosaic

• For having a diverse protein, cholesterol,

and carbohydrate molecules embedded in
its structure.
• Proteins – transmit messages to the cell’s
interior. (surface of the membrane)
• - internal shape structure providing cell
shape. (inner surface)
 Three components of the plasma
membrane:
• TRANSMEMBRANE PROTEIN- regulates
the movement of the molecules across the
membrane. These proteins from the transport
mechanism of the cell. They are composed of
carriers, channels, and receptor proteins.
• INTERIOR PROTEIN NETWORK –
determines and maintains the structure
and form of the plasma membrane. They
are responsible for the shape of the cell and
the attachment of macromolecules in the
membrane.
• CELL-SURFACE MARKERS – these are
responsible for the recognition of foreign
and local (self) cells and tissues.
 The major function of membrane
proteins are:
1. Receptors for hormones or
neurotransmitters.
2. Antibodies of the immune system that
recognize foreign substances (antigen)
3. Cell-recognition molecules that bind cells
together.
4. Cell membrane structures that directly
pass chemical information between cells
5. Molecular transport (entry into or exit of
substances from cells)
6. Enzymes that catalyze crucial reactions
in cells.
• 7. Anchoring cells to extracellular
surfaces like connective tissue.