Chapter 7
Membrane Structure and Function
Plasma Membrane
The
membrane at the boundary of every cell. Functions as a selective barrier for the passage of materials in and out of cells.
Membrane Composition
Lipids
Proteins
Question:
How are the materials arranged?
Membrane Models
Fluid Mosaic Model 1972
New
model to fit the new evidence with membranes. Example of Science as a Process.
Fluid Mosaic Model
Refers
to the way the lipids and proteins behave in a membrane.
Fluid
Refers
to the lipid bilayer. Molecules are not bonded together, so are free to shift. Must remain "fluid" for membranes to function.
Ways to keep the membrane fluid
Lipid
changes or shifts: Cold hardening of plants (shift to saturated fatty acids). Hibernating animals (Cholesterol increase).
Mosaic
Proteins:
float in a sea of
lipids. Proteins form a collage or mosaic pattern that shifts over time.
Types of Membrane Proteins
Integral
- inserted into the lipid bilayer. Peripheral - not embedded in the lipid bilayer, but are attached to the membrane surface.
Hydrophilic Amino Acids
Hydrophobic Amino Acids
Hydrophilic Amino Acids
Question?
How
do the integral proteins stick to the membrane? By the solubility of their amino acids.
Protein Function in Membranes
Transport.
Enzymatic
activity. Receptor sites for signals. Cell adhesion. Cell-cell recognition. Attachment to the cytoskeleton.
Membranes are Bifacial
The
lipid composition of the two layers is different. The proteins have specific orientations. Carbohydrates are found only on the outer surface.
Carbohydrates
Membrane Carbohydrates
Branched
oligosaccharides form glycolipids and glycoproteins on external surface. Function - recognition of "self" vs "other.
Question
How
do materials get across a cell's membrane?
Problems
Lipid
bilayer is hydrophobic. Hydrophilic materials don't cross easily. Large molecules don't cross easily. Too big to get through the membrane.
Mechanisms
1. Passive Transport 2. Active Transport
Passive Transport
Movement
across membranes that does NOT require cellular energy.
Types of Passive Transport
1. Diffusion 2. Osmosis 3. Facilitated Diffusion
Diffusion
The
net movement of atoms, ions or molecules down a concentration gradient. Movement is from: High Low
Equilibrium
When
the concentration is equal on both sides. There is no net movement of materials.
Factors that Effect Diffusion
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Concentration Temperature Pressure Particle size Mixing
Osmosis
Diffusion
of water. Water moving from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. No cell energy is used.
Tonicity
The
concentration of water relative to a cell.
1. Isotonic (same) 2. Hypotonic (below) 3. Hypertonic (above)
Isotonic
Isosmotic
solution. Cell and water are equal in solute concentration. No net movement of water in or out of the cell. No change in cell size.
Hypotonic
Hypoosmotic
solution Cell's water is lower than the outside water (more solutes). Water moves into the cell. Cell swells, may burst or the cell is turgid.
Hypertonic
Hyperosmotic
solution Cell's water is higher than the outside water (less solutes) Water moves out of the cell. Cell shrinks or plasmolysis occurs.
Facilitated Diffusion
Transport
protein that helps materials through the cell membrane. Doesn't require energy (ATP). Works on a downhill concentration gradient.
Active Transport
Movement
across membranes that DOES require cellular energy.
Types of Active Transport
1. Carrier-Mediated 2. Endocytosis 3. Exocytosis
Carrier-Mediated Transport
General
term for the active transport of materials into cells AGAINST the concentration gradient. Movement is: low high
Examples
1. Na+- K+ pump 2. Electrogenic or H+ pumps 3. Cotransport
+Na
Moves
+ K
pump
Na+ ions out of cells while moving K+ ions in.
Electrogenic or H+ pumps
Also
called Proton pumps. Create voltages across membranes for other cell processes.
Cotransport
of H+ that allows other materials to be transported into the cell as the H+ diffuses back across the cell membrane. Example - Sucrose transport
Movement
Exocytosis
Moves
bulk material out of
cells. Example - secretion of enzymes.
Endocytosis
Moves
bulk materials into
cells. Several types known.
Types
1. Pinocytosis - liquids 2. Phagocytosis - solids 3. Receptor Mediated - uses receptors to "catch" specific kinds of molecules.
Forming vesicles
Summary
Know
membrane structure. Be able to discuss the various methods by which cells move materials through membranes. Be able to solve problems in osmosis.
