- The cell membrane is also called the plasma membrane.
- The cell membrane is made of a phospholipid bilayer.
- Phospholipids have a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail.
- The head is made of a phosphate group, and the tails are chains of fatty acids.
- Phospholipids can move laterally, and other molecules to pass through or out of the cell.
- This is known as selective permeability.
- Physiological saline does not require water, and the water concentration gradient remains unchanged.
- A phospholipid containing the heads-out and the tails-in arrangement is called a PHOSPHOLIPID BILAYER.
- Another type of lipid in the cell membrane is cholesterol.
- Cholesterol makes the membrane more fluid. Embedded in the phospholipid bilayer are proteins that are involved in diffusion and in cell recognition.
- Peripheral proteins are attached to the surface of the membrane.
- Integral proteins span the entire width of the membrane.
- Integral proteins are also called transmembrane proteins.
- Some integral proteins are carrier proteins or channel proteins.
- Glycolipids and glycoproteins help cells recognize each other and certain substances.
- Receptor proteins are embedded in the membrane to receive signals from hormones or neurotransmitters.
- Attachment proteins help cells to recognize each other and certain substances.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of cell membrane coloring worksheet.
