What Is the Basic Structure of a Cell Membrane?
Quick Answer
Cell membranes are, at their most basic, composed of a phospholipid bilayer with some surface proteins embedded around the surface. Plasma membranes contain phospholipids, cholesterol, proteins and carbohydrates that are arrayed in regular, repeating rows to form a highly plastic surface for the cell.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
Cell membranes are not solid structures. Instead, they maintain a consistency similar to that of vegetable oil and permit diffusion and cellular transport in ways that help maintain homeostasis within the cell. The building block of the plasma membrane is the phospholipid molecule. This molecule is shaped like a hairpin, with a hydrophilic phosphate head and hydrophobic lipid tails. These molecules always arrange themselves so their heads are oriented in the direction of water and their tails are not. This naturally produces a double layer of phospholipids with their tails interior to their heads. Cholesterol molecules, which are also hydrophobic, group themselves around the phospholipid tails.
Across both surfaces of the membrane, various proteins perform roles in keeping the cell functioning. Some adhere to the outer layer and signal other cells, some adhere to the inside and act as enzymes to speed up chemical reactions, and some pass through the membranes and act to transport molecules across the membrane into and out of the cell.
Learn more about CellsRelated Questions
-
Q:
What Is the Structure and Function of the Respiratory Membrane?
A: The respiratory membrane, also called the respiratory surface, is made of the alveolar epithelial cell and the pulmonary capillary endothelial cell, and th... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How Does a Virus Recognize a Host Cell?
A: A virus recognizes a host cell through using its outer membrane equipped with glycoproteins to bind with receptors on the surface of the host cell. Glycopr... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Is the Basic Structure of a Human Cell?
A: The basic components of a human cell are the cell membrane, the cytoplasm, the nuclear membrane and the nucleus. Within each of these parts are smaller str... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Is the Function of Phospholipids?
A: The most important function of phospholipids is to form the phospholipid bilayer of the plasma membrane. In this bilayer, phospholipids are arranged so tha... Full Answer >Filed Under:
