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Cell or Plasma Membranes

Every cell has a cell membrane (plasma membrane) that separates the interior of the cell from the outside environment. One of the most important functions of this biological membrane is to protect the cell from outside threats by controlling the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

1,116 Questions

What property of the cell membrane enables it to perform active transport?

Embedded in the semi-permeable cell membrane are many different types of carrier proteins or channel proteins. These globular proteins allow the transport of specific substances from the outside of the cell into the cell or vice versa.

Specific means each protein can only transport one type of substance across. For example, Protein A can transport Substance X but not Substance Y. Substance Y has to be transported by Protein B which cannot transport Substance X. The specific nature of these globular proteins mean it is easier for these molecules to be transported.

What causes the vesicles inside a neuron to fuse with the plasma membrane?

When an action potential reaches the axon terminal, it triggers the opening of voltage-gated calcium channels. The influx of calcium causes the synaptic vesicles to move towards the cell membrane and fuse with it, releasing neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.

How does nutrients cross plasma membrane?

Things like oxygen, CO2 and lipids cross the membrane with simple diffusion. Water can cross the membrane with osmosis when the water moves through a channel protein in the plasma membrane. Glucose, potassium, sodium etc. moves through a carrier protein in the membrane with the process of active movement. In the process of active movement energy is needed and it is given by the glucose or ATP from the cell.

What are the lipids within the fluid mosaic of the plasma membranes held in place by?

They are held together by hydrophobic interactions in which the hydrophilic 'heads' (phosphate group) of the phospholipid face outwards towards the aqueous environment while the hydrophobic 'tails' (long hydrocarbon chains of fatty acids) face inwards, away from the aqueous environment.

Which nutrient is a key component in cell membranes neurons and certain hormones?

Phospholipids are the key component in cell membranes, while phosphorus is essential for neurons. Cholesterol is vital for the structure and function of cell membranes and is a precursor for certain hormones, such as steroid hormones.

What is the permeability barrier that joins the cell membranes of adjacent cells in jigsaw fashion to form a tight seal?

The permeability barrier that joins the cell membranes of adjacent cells in a jigsaw fashion to form a tight seal is called a tight junction. Tight junctions help regulate the movement of ions and molecules between cells, creating a barrier that prevents substances from passing between cells.

What is the substance found in animal cell membranes?

The substance found in animal cell membranes is primarily phospholipids. These molecules have a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail, which arrange themselves in a bilayer to form the structure of the cell membrane. Other components like cholesterol and proteins are also present in cell membranes.

How electroporation increase permeability of plasma membrane?

Electroporation is a dynamic phenomenon that depends on the local transmembrane voltage at each point on the cell membrane. It is generally accepted that for a given pulse duration and shape, a specific transmembrane voltage threshold exists for the manifestation of the electroporation phenomenon (from 0.5 V to 1 V). This leads to the definition of an electric field magnitude threshold for electroporation (Eth). That is, only the cells within areas where E≧Eth are electroporated. If a second threshold (Eir) is reached or surpassed, electroporation will compromise the viability of the cells, i.e., irreversible electroporation.[2]

What is an active process that allows the plasma membrane to form an invagenation?

Endocytosis is the active process that allows the plasma membrane to form an invagination by engulfing extracellular material into the cell. This process involves the formation of vesicles that transport the engulfed material inside the cell.

What is the plasma membrane aka phospholipid bilayer?

The plasma membrane, also known as the phospholipid bilayer, is a thin, semipermeable membrane that surrounds the cell. It consists of a double layer of phospholipid molecules with embedded proteins that control the movement of substances in and out of the cell. The plasma membrane is essential for maintaining the cell's structure and functions.

What would happen if there was damage to the receptors on the plasma membrane?

Plasma membrane defines the boundary of the cell and regulates the flow of material into and out of the cell. Ruptured plasma membrane generally heals within no time but if rupturing does not heal, the cell contents will spill over and cell is killed.

What do cell membranes do for the body?

Cell membranes act as a barrier, controlling the movement of substances in and out of the cell. They help maintain cell shape and provide support. Additionally, cell membranes are important for cell communication and recognition.

Is glycerol a component of the cell membranes structure?

No, glycerol is not a component of the cell membrane structure. Glycerol is a simple sugar alcohol that is a key component of lipids such as triglycerides. Cell membranes are primarily composed of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates forming a phospholipid bilayer.

What have two types smooth and rough it helps produce proteins and lipids?

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) has two types: smooth ER, which is involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification, and rough ER, which has ribosomes attached to its surface and is involved in protein synthesis and processing.

Why is the phospholipid molecule so appropriate as the primary structural component of plasma membranes?

Phospholipids have a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails, allowing them to form a bilayer structure with the hydrophobic tails pointing inwards and the hydrophilic heads facing outwards towards the aqueous environments, creating a barrier that separates the internal and external environments of the cell. This structure is crucial for maintaining cell integrity and regulating the movement of molecules in and out of the cell.

Which domains have unbranched lipids in their cell membranes?

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What are small channels that form across the plasma membranes of adjacent cells?

Gap junctions are small channels that form across the plasma membranes of adjacent cells, allowing for direct communication and exchange of ions, small molecules, and signaling molecules between the cells.

Which component of the cell membrane might contribute to maintaining the fluidity of plasma membranes under freezing conditions?

Cholesterol is a component of the cell membrane that helps maintain fluidity under freezing conditions by preventing the phospholipid molecules from packing too tightly together. Cholesterol acts as a buffer, allowing the membrane to remain flexible at low temperatures.

What is used to store energy and make cell membranes and hormones?

Lipids are used to store energy in the form of triglycerides, make up cell membranes as phospholipids, and serve as precursors for the synthesis of hormones such as steroid hormones.

What consists of everything inside the plasma membrane of the cell?

Inside the plasma membrane of a cell, you will find the cytoplasm, which contains organelles like the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus. Additionally, there may be ribosomes, cytoskeleton elements, and various molecules involved in cellular processes such as metabolism, signaling, and transport.

What are the irregular in-folding of the plasma membrane of bacterial cells?

Irregular in-foldings of the plasma membrane in bacterial cells are known as mesosomes. These structures are believed to be involved in cell division and DNA replication, but their exact function is still debated among researchers. Mesosomes may also play a role in organizing enzymes for metabolic pathways within the cell.

What large molecules are unable to cross the plasma membrane?

Large molecules such as proteins, polysaccharides, and nucleic acids are generally unable to pass through the plasma membrane without assistance from transport proteins or other mechanisms. The size and charge of these molecules prevent them from diffusing across the membrane's hydrophobic interior.

What organic molecule in cell membranes that permits the diffusion of lipid-soluble materials?

Phospholipids are the organic molecules in cell membranes that permit the diffusion of lipid-soluble materials. They have a hydrophobic tail that repels water and a hydrophilic head that interacts with water, creating a bilayer structure that allows for the passage of lipid-soluble molecules.

What term describes a cell membrane's ability to let substances through?

Selective permeability is the term that describes a cell membrane's ability to allow certain substances to pass through while blocking others. This is essential for maintaining cellular function and regulating the internal environment of the cell.

What does a valacule do?

Valacule is a fictional word with no established meaning or use in any known language. Its meaning would depend on the context in which it is being used.