The Cell Membrane
Homeostasis – Maintaining a balance Living organisms must adjust to their environment Cells must keep the proper concentration of things inside the cell
Structure of the Cell (or plasma) Membrane Phospholipid Bilayer – two sheets of phospholipids Found all around the cell and all of its organelles Embedded with proteins and strengthened with cholesterol molecules
What’s a phospholipid?
Selective Permeability Allowing some materials to pass through while keeping others out ‘semi-permeable’ membrane Maintains balance Keeping in water and glucose Eliminating wastes and CO2
Membrane Proteins Determine what particles can pass through the membrane Serve as enzymes (speed up reactions) Two types Protein Channel = tunnel Carrier Protein = gate
Fluid Mosaic Membrane is made up of lots of moving parts that can move freely within the membrane