Cell Biology: Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cells

Single-celled organisms, like bacteria, encased by a cell membrane containing cytoplasm.

Multicellular organisms and some single-celled organisms, like protozoa, containing a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

A double layer of lipids and proteins that forms the boundary of all cells.

Composed of amphiphilic lipids, like phospholipids and sphingolipids, with a polar head and hydrophobic tail.

Individual lipid molecules moving freely within the lipid bilayer, moving horizontally like a surfer.

Very slow movement of lipids across the bilayer, requiring enzymatic help.

Movement of molecules across the membrane using carrier proteins, channel proteins, or ions.

Transport of glucose into cells via GLUT transporters, like the GLUT2 transporter in pancreatic beta cells.

Transport of water across the membrane via aquaporin channels, especially important in kidney cells.

The ability of the cell membrane to let certain molecules pass through.

The flexibility and movement of the lipid bilayer, influenced by its composition and temperature.

Unsaturated fatty acids increase fluidity by making the membrane less tightly packed.

Cholesterol and glycolipids stabilize fluidity by making the membrane more tightly packed.

The cell membrane separates different cellular compartments within the cytosol, like rooms within a house

The cell membrane transports substances into and out of the cell, like a doorman controlling who enters.

The cell converts signals from the outside world into changes within the cell, like receiving a message and responding.

The cell membrane has unique proteins that help identify it, like a name tag on a person.

The cell membrane creates a difference in charge between the inside and outside of the cell, like a battery.

The membrane uses anchor proteins (cell adhesion molecules) connected to the cytoskeleton to form junctions between cells, holding cells together like glue.

A loose layer of glycoproteins and polysaccharides covering the outside of the cell membrane, like a protective coat.

The glycocalyx protects the cell from dehydration, helps immune cells recognize cells, and differentiates blood groups.

Proteins embedded in the lipid bilayer of membranes, often modified with sugars.

Proteins that strongly bind to the lipid bilayer, partially or fully penetrating the membrane.

Proteins that weakly bind to the lipid bilayer, often interacting with integral membrane proteins.

Proteins that completely span the lipid bilayer, transporting molecules across the membrane, like a tunnel through a mountain.

The process of moving molecules across the cell membrane, like a concierge guiding guests through a hotel.

The cell membrane is selectively permeable, only allowing some molecules to pass through, like a gatekeeper choosing who enters.

The membrane can change its fluidity based on temperature and lipid composition, like wax becoming more liquid when heated.

The process of the cell receiving a signal from the outside world and responding, like a phone ringing and someone answering.

The process of attaching cells together to form tissues and organs, like bricks forming a wall.