Cell Membrane
By:
Dr. Ajaey MBBS DNB (Gen Med)
Consultant General Medicine
Sree Abirami Hospital
Introduction
• The cell membrane, or plasma membrane, is a biological barrier that
separates the cell interior from the external environment.
• It plays a critical role in maintaining homeostasis, communication,
transport, and cell integrity.
• Composed of a lipid bilayer with embedded proteins and carbohydrates.
• Highly dynamic and selectively permeable to ions and molecules.
General Structure
• The membrane consists primarily of a phospholipid bilayer.
• Hydrophilic heads face outward, hydrophobic tails face inward, forming a
semi-permeable membrane.
• Proteins are embedded in the bilayer, allowing transport and
communication.
• Carbohydrates attached to lipids or proteins form glycolipids and
glycoproteins.
Physiological Functions
• Acts as a physical barrier to protect cellular components.
• Facilitates communication between cells and their environment.
• Maintains internal conditions different from the external environment.
• Plays a role in cell adhesion and signal transduction.
Chemical Properties
• Composed mainly of lipids (phospholipids and cholesterol), proteins, and
carbohydrates.
• Lipid bilayer provides fluidity and flexibility.
• Proteins function in transport, enzyme activity, and signaling.
• Carbohydrates play a role in cell recognition and adhesion.
Fluid Mosaic Model
• Describes the membrane as a fluid structure with proteins floating in or on
the lipid bilayer.
• Proposed by Singer and Nicolson in 1972.
• Proteins and lipids can move laterally within the layer.
• Explains flexibility, self-healing capacity, and dynamic nature of the
membrane.
Membrane Proteins
• Integral proteins span the membrane; peripheral proteins are loosely
bound to the surface.
• Function as transporters, receptors, enzymes, or anchors.
• Channel and carrier proteins help in facilitated diffusion.
• Receptor proteins help receive and transmit external signals.
Selective Permeability
• Allows certain molecules to cross while blocking others.
• Small, nonpolar molecules (O₂, CO₂) pass freely.
• Large or charged molecules (glucose, ions) require assistance.
• Essential for nutrient uptake and waste removal.
Passive Transport
• Does not require energy.
• Includes simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion, and osmosis.
• Molecules move down their concentration gradient.
• Facilitated by membrane proteins for larger or polar molecules.
Simple Diffusion
• Movement of molecules from high to low concentration.
• Occurs directly through the lipid bilayer.
• Examples: oxygen, carbon dioxide, small lipids.
• Rate depends on concentration gradient, temperature, and membrane
permeability.
Facilitated Diffusion
• Uses specific transmembrane proteins.
• Helps large, polar, or charged molecules cross the membrane.
• No energy is required, but movement is specific and regulated.
• Examples: glucose transporters, ion channels.
Osmosis
• Movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane.
• Water moves from low solute concentration to high solute concentration.
• Facilitated by special proteins called aquaporins.
• Important for maintaining cell volume and turgor.
Active Transport
• Requires ATP to move substances against their concentration gradient.
• Carrier proteins known as pumps perform active transport.
• Examples: sodium-potassium pump, proton pump.
• Helps maintain ion gradients and membrane potential.
Sodium-Potassium Pump
• Pumps 3 Na⁺ out and 2 K⁺ into the cell per ATP molecule.
• Maintains resting membrane potential and cellular ion balance.
• Essential for nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction.
• Prevents osmotic swelling by controlling ion concentration.
Bulk Transport
• Includes endocytosis and exocytosis.
• Endocytosis: intake of large particles or liquids via vesicles.
• Exocytosis: expulsion of materials from the cell.
• Used for hormone secretion, neurotransmitter release, and immune
responses.
Bioelectricity - Basics
• Bioelectricity refers to electrical potentials and currents in biological cells.
• The membrane potential is created by unequal distribution of ions.
• Neurons and muscle cells rely on membrane potential to function.
• Ion channels and pumps regulate electrical activity.
Membrane Potential
• Resting membrane potential is around -70 mV in neurons.
• Maintained by the sodium-potassium pump and leak channels.
• Voltage-gated channels allow rapid changes during action potentials.
• Essential for signal transmission in nerves and muscles.
Ion Channels
• Protein channels that allow specific ions to pass across the membrane.
• Types: voltage-gated, ligand-gated, and mechanically-gated.
• Opening or closing alters membrane potential.
• Defects in ion channels can lead to disorders like epilepsy or arrhythmia.
Neurotransmitter Release
• Neurons release neurotransmitters via exocytosis.
• Triggered by calcium influx during action potentials.
• Neurotransmitters bind to receptors on target cells to propagate signals.
• Examples: acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin.
Clinical Relevance
• Membrane dysfunctions linked to diseases like cystic fibrosis, Alzheimer’s,
and diabetes.
• Membrane proteins are targets for many drugs.
• Understanding membrane bioelectricity is crucial for treating neurological
and cardiac diseases.
• Membranes play a role in immune response and pathogen entry.
Conclusion
• The cell membrane is a dynamic and essential structure.
• It regulates transport, communication, and electrical signals.
• Understanding its structure and function is vital for biology and medicine.
• A key target in diagnostics, drug development, and clinical treatment.
Thank You
Any doubts?
I am here – Dr. Ajaey
Kindly WhatsApp at 9025396431
