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A lot of proteins are embedded in a cell's plasma membrane. Some of them have a channel-resembling structure which allows specific ions to pass through. Moreover, some other proteins have more complex structures enabling them to bind ions on the one side of the membrane and, through a change of configuration, to release them on the other.
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What structural feature of cells can allow molecules to flow directly from the inside of one cell to the inside of the next?
Gap junctions are cell structures that allow for direct communication and exchange of molecules between adjacent cells. They consist of protein channels that span the cell membranes, enabling passage of small molecules such as ions and signaling molecules between cells.
What is cell membrane permeability?
It is the ability of the membrane to allow ions and/or particles to cross.
What are cell structures for direct cell contact in animals?
Cell junctions such as tight junctions, gap junctions, and desmosomes facilitate direct cell contact in animals. These structures play a crucial role in cell communication, adhesion, and coordination of cellular activities within tissues. Tight junctions prevent molecules from passing between cells, gap junctions allow for direct transfer of ions and small molecules, and desmosomes provide mechanical strength to tissues.
How do ions diffuse across cell membranes?
Ions diffuse across cell membranes through protein channels or transporters that allow them to move from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration. This process is known as passive transport and does not require energy from the cell.
Where does cellular transport take place?
Cellular transport occurs in various cellular structures such as cell membranes, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and lysosomes. These structures are responsible for moving molecules and ions in and out of the cell to maintain cellular homeostasis and perform vital functions.
Why are peroxide ions dangerous to cells?
Peroxide ions are dangerous to cells because they can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can damage cell structures such as proteins, lipids, and DNA. This oxidative stress can lead to cell membrane disruption, impaired cellular functions, and ultimately cell death.
Why do CsCl and NaCl have different structures?
CsCl (cesium chloride) has a simple cubic structure because the larger Cs+ ions occupy the corners of the cubic unit cell, while the smaller Cl- ions occupy the center of the cell. NaCl (sodium chloride) has a face-centered cubic structure because the Na+ ions occupy the face centers, and the Cl- ions occupy the corners of the unit cell.
Does desmosomes junctions allow cell communication?
Desmosomes are cell junctions that primarily provide mechanical strength and adhesion between cells, rather than facilitating direct communication. Gap junctions are the structures responsible for allowing direct communication between cells by enabling the passage of ions and small molecules.
Why can't ions typically travel through the cell membrane?
Ions typically cannot travel through the cell membrane because the membrane is selectively permeable, meaning it only allows certain substances to pass through. The structure of the cell membrane does not easily allow ions to pass through, so they require specific channels or transport proteins to facilitate their movement into or out of the cell.
What transport protein allows ions to pass through the cell membrane?
Ion channels are transport proteins that facilitate the passage of ions across the cell membrane by creating a pore for ions to move through. These channels are selective in the ions they allow to pass and can be gated, meaning they can open and close in response to certain signals.
How do sodium and potassium travel into and out of cells?
Sodium and potassium travel into and out of cells through specialized proteins called ion channels. These channels allow the ions to move across the cell membrane, maintaining the balance of these ions inside and outside the cell. Sodium ions typically enter the cell through sodium channels, while potassium ions exit the cell through potassium channels. This movement of ions is crucial for various cellular functions, including nerve signaling and muscle contraction.
In the Na K pump where do the ions go?
The Na-K pump actively transports three sodium ions out of the cell and two potassium ions into the cell against their respective concentration gradients. The sodium ions are pumped out of the cell and the potassium ions are pumped into the cell by the action of ATPase on the pump.
