The Plasma/Cell Membrane
Objective Recognize the importance of semi-permeable membranes in regulating diffusion and maintaining homeostasis.
The Cell Membrane The “cell membrane” is also known as “the plasma membrane.” To survive, ALL living things must maintain a balance regardless of internal and external conditions. http://www.nature.com/scitable/content/ne0000/ne0000/ne0000/ne0000/14704938/SelectiveTransport_ksm_2_1.jpg
The plasma membrane is the boundary between the cell and its environment. It allows a steady supply of glucose, amino acids, and lipids to enter the cell no matter what the external (outside) conditions are. Remove excess amounts of nutrients when levels are too high. Allow wastes and other products to leave the cell
Homeostasis The plasma membrane helps maintain homeostasis, which is the process of maintaining the cells internal (inside) environment http://www.anselm.edu/homepage/jpitocch/genbio/homeostasis.JPG
Selective Permeability The cell membrane is selectively permeable. Is a process used to maintain homeostasis in which the plasma membrane allows some molecules in the cell while keeping others out. http://apbrwww5.apsu.edu/thompsonj/Anatomy%20&%20Physiology/2010/2010%20Exam%20Reviews/Exam%201%20Review/osmotic_pressure.jpg
“Selective” “Permeable” Selective – able to regulate which particles enter and leave (it’s choosey) Permeable – allows particles to pass through *another way to say selectively permeable is “semi-permeable”
Why is the orange membrane considered semi-permeable? What particles can’t get through the pores (holes) in the membrane? http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2a/Semipermeable_membrane.png/250px-Semipermeable_membrane.png
Structure of the Membrane The plasma membrane is composed of TWO layers of phospholipids back to back
The phospholipid bilayer is made up of: A Hydrophilic head that is attracted to water A Hydrophobic tail that is NOT attracted to water (scared of water).
The cell’s environment is mostly water The cell’s environment is mostly water. It is the most abundant material inside a cell as well.
“Fluid” Mosaic Model The plasma membrane is described as being a flexible boundary of a cell. The phospholipids move within the membrane.
Other Components: Cholesterol Cholesterol plays an important role of preventing the fatty acid chains of the phospholipids from sticking together. http://www.cytochemistry.net/cell-biology/cholesterol.jpg
Other Components: Transport Proteins Allow substances or water materials to move across through plasma membrane. http://www.one-school.net/Malaysia/UniversityandCollege/SPM/revisioncard/biology/movementacrossmembrane/images/facilitateddiffusion.png
Other Components: Receptor Proteins The surface of the membrane bind to chemical messengers to allow certain substances to pass through the plasma membrane. http://fwcdscience.wikispaces.com/file/view/transduction.gif/43381569/transduction.gif
Passive Transport versus Active Transport NO energy required Energy REQUIRED