Medicose Academy
Plasma Membrane
Total Questions:
- Definition: The plasma membrane, also known as the cell membrane, is the biological membrane that separates the interior of all cells from the outside environment⁴.
- Structure: It is composed of a lipid bilayer with embedded proteins, carbohydrates, and cholesterol⁵.
- Fluid Mosaic Model: Describes the plasma membrane as a fluid combination of phospholipids, cholesterol, and proteins⁵.
- Functions:
- Barrier: Acts as a physical barrier to protect cellular contents⁴.
- Selective Permeability: Regulates the entry and exit of substances, maintaining homeostasis⁴.
- Transport: Facilitates the transport of materials via endocytosis and exocytosis⁴.
- Support: Provides structural support, anchoring the cytoskeleton⁴.
- Cell Signaling: Plays a crucial role in cell communication and signaling⁴.
- Components:
- Phospholipids: Form the fundamental structure of the membrane with a hydrophilic head and two hydrophobic tails⁵.
- Proteins: Integral and peripheral proteins serve various functions, including transport and communication⁵.
- Cholesterol: Modulates the fluidity and stability of the membrane⁵.
- Carbohydrates: Attached to proteins and lipids, they play a key role in cell recognition⁵.