STRUCTURE OF CELL MEMBRANE

By: Nur Shahiratun Najwa Bt Mohd Fauzi

Lipids: 3 types Phospholipid, cholesterol, glycolipid Phospholipids - major component of cell membranes form a lipid bilayer hydrophilic head attracted to water, hydrophobic tail arranged to be away from water The lipid bilayer is semi-permeable, allowing only certain molecules to diffuse across the membrane. Cholestrol helps to stiffen cell membranes present in between phospholipid tail only present in animal cell membranes Glycolipid located on cell membrane surfaces have a carbohydrate sugar chain attached to them help the cell to recognize other cells of the body (identification tags). PROTEINS: Integral protein attach to non-polar hydrophobic center. Peripheral protein binds to hydrophilic head / integral protein.

Cell Membrane
thin semi-permeable membrane, surrounds the cytoplasm of a cell 7.5 nm in thickness help support the cell and help maintain its shape Composed of 3 main components; Lipids (42%) Proteins (55%) Carbohydrates (3%) separates the cytoplasm from ECF maintains cell's internal environment transports of macromolecules into and out of the cell controls distribution of ions e.g. Na, K extracellular ICF and ECF generates transmembrane potentials contains receptors for hormones and transmitter substances which are important for signal transduction.

Functions;

Transmembrane (span the entire bilayer). Act as; a). Channels - diffusion of small, water soluble substance b). Carriers - actively transport materials across bilayer c). Pumps - actively transport ions d). Receptors - initiate intracellular reactions when activated Present only on one side of the membrane - act as enzyme for metabolic processes.

Integral protein

Composed of glycolipids & glycoproteins Covers the cell membrane binds to the extracellular Ca to stabilize membrane structures acts as an attachment matrix for other cells (cell adhesion molecules).

CARBOHYDRATES: Functions as cell recognition Embedded on phospholipid glycolipid Embedded on proteins glycoproteins Glycolipids and glycoproteins help cells identify each other through cell-to-cell recognition.

Peripheral protein

Binds to intracellular surface of membrane/ integral protein & contribute to cytoskeleton.

Binds to extracellular surface of membrane & contribute to glycocalyx.

Glycocalyx;