Unraveling Hypertext_ Analyzing Postmodern Elements in Literature.pptx
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The fluid mosaic model of membrane structure
1. CELL MEMBRANES AND
TRANSPORT
The fluid mosaic model of
membrane structure
ALBIO9700/2006JK
2. Phospholipids
⢠Form a single layer with heads in water
and tails projecting out of the water
⢠Can form stable structures called micelles
if shaken up with water
⢠Two-layered structures can from in sheets
(bilayers)
ALBIO9700/2006JK
5. Structure of membranes
⢠The phospholipid bilayer is visible using the
electron microscope (> x100 000)
⢠7nm wide
⢠Also contains proteins
⢠Model for the structure is called fluid mosaic
model
⢠âfluidâ â the individual phospholipid and protein
molecules move around within their layer
⢠âmosaicâ â describes the pattern produced by the
scattered protein molecules when the surface of
the membrane is viewed from above
ALBIO9700/2006JK
7. Features of the fluid mosaic model
⢠Membrane is bilayer of phospholipid molecules that
move about by diffusion within their own monolayer
⢠Phospholipid tails point inwards and form a non-polar
hydrophobic interior. Heads face the aqueous medium
surrounding membrane
⢠Some phospholipid tails are saturated and some
unsaturated. The more unsaturated, the more fluid the
membrane
⢠Most protein molecules float in phospholipid layers
⢠Some proteins are embedded in the outer layer, some in
the inner layer and some span the whole membrane
⢠Thickness = 7nm
⢠Many proteins and lipids have short , branching
carbohydrate chains attached to the external surface,
forming glycoproteins and glycolipids
⢠presence of cholesterol
ALBIO9700/2006JK
10. Roles of components of cell
membranes
⢠Phospholipids
â Form bilayer (basic structure of membrane)
â Act as a barrier to most water-soluble substances
⢠Cholesterol
â Have hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails
â Regulates the fluidity of the membrane, preventing it
from becoming too fluid or too rigid
â Important for the mechanical stability of membranes
â Hydrophobic regions help to prevent ions or polar
molecules from passing through the membrane
(myelin sheath around nerve cells â leakage of ions
would slow down nerve impulses)
ALBIO9700/2006JK
11. ⢠Proteins
â Transport proteins: provide hydrophilic channels or
passageways for ions and polar molecules to pass
through the membrane
â Enzymes: catalyse the hydrolysis of molecules such
disaccharides (small intestines)
â Protein in membranes of organelles
(mitochondria and chloroplasts): involved in the
processes of respiration and photosynthesis
⢠Glycolipids and glycoprotein
â Protein and lipid molecules with short carbohydrate
chains
â Form hydrogen bonds with the water molecules and
so help to stabilise the membrane structure
â Act as receptor molecules, binding with hormones
or neurotransmitters (chemicals that enable nerve
impulses to pass from one nerve cell to another)
ALBIO9700/2006JK