38 Questions
What is the primary factor that influences the rate of diffusion, according to Fick's Law?
Concentration gradient of the substance
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of unassisted membrane transport diffusion?
It requires energy input
What type of hormones can move into cells passively?
Steroid hormones
What is the term for the movement of water down its own concentration gradient through a semipermeable membrane?
Osmosis
What is the term for the difference in concentration of non-penetrating solutes between two solutions?
Tonicity
What is the formula for the rate of diffusion, according to Fick's Law?
Rate = (SA x CG)/ TW
What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?
It bursts
What is the function of membrane-spanning proteins in carrier-mediated transport?
To bind and transport specific substances
What is the maximum rate of transport by a carrier protein?
Tm
Which type of transport involves the movement of a substance from high to low concentration?
Facilitated diffusion
What happens to the carrier protein after the solute molecule binds to it in facilitated diffusion?
It changes conformation to release the solute
What is the purpose of GLUT4 in adipose muscles?
To facilitate glucose uptake
What is the primary function of the cell membrane as a physical barrier?
To separate the cell from its environment and prevent toxic waste buildup
What is the main characteristic of the fluid mosaic model of the cell membrane?
A fluid structure with a dynamic arrangement of proteins and lipids
What is the function of intrinsic proteins in the cell membrane?
To span the entire width of the membrane and function as self-identity markers
What is the purpose of cholesterol in the cell membrane?
To provide fluidity and stability to the membrane
What is the function of glycoproteins in the cell membrane?
To function as self-identity markers and help with cell differentiation
What type of protein is aquaporin?
Water channel
What is the function of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) in the cell membrane?
To help with the adhesion of cells to each other
What is the term for the entire structure of cells, tissues, organs, and systems that make up an organism?
Organism
What is the term for the process of cells working together to provide signals on what needs to happen?
Cell signaling
What is the function of the phospholipid bilayer in the cell membrane?
To form a barrier that separates the cell from its environment
What is the effect of acetylcholine binding to its receptor on the voltage-gated ion channel?
It opens the channel, allowing Na+ flow in.
What is the purpose of the Na+/K+ ATPase pump in generating the resting membrane potential?
To pump 3 Na+ out and 2 K+ in.
What is the equilibrium potential of K+ (Ek+)?
-90 mV
What is the general mechanism of second messenger pathways?
The first messenger binds to a receptor, releasing a second messenger, which then relays the signal.
What is the primary mechanism by which sodium ions are transported out of the blood?
Active transport
What is the purpose of leak channels for Na and K ions?
To passively allow diffusion down their concentration gradients.
Which type of transport involves the movement of molecules down their concentration gradient?
Facilitated diffusion
Why is the equilibrium potential for Na+ lower than for K+?
Because the concentration gradient for Na+ is smaller than for K+.
What is the primary function of Na+/K+ ATPase in the kidney?
To regulate the concentration of sodium ions outside the cell
Which type of vesicular transport involves the non-selective uptake of extracellular fluid?
Pinocytosis
What is the primary function of exocytosis in the cell?
To secrete neurotransmitters and hormones
Which type of cell communication involves the direct contact of plasma membranes between cells?
Juxtacrine signaling
What is the primary function of lipid-soluble chemical messengers in signal transduction?
To cross the plasma membrane and affect gene transcription
What is the primary function of ion channels in the cell?
To allow ions to move into the cell and affect physiological responses
Which type of ion channel is always open and allows for the leakage of ions into and out of the cell?
Leak channel
What is the primary function of ligand-gated ion channels in the cell?
To open and close in response to stimuli
Study Notes
Passive Transport
- Passive transport occurs without energy input, allowing substances to move from high to low concentration
- Types of passive transport:
- Diffusion: movement of substances from high to low concentration
- Osmosis: movement of water molecules from high to low concentration
Facilitated Diffusion
- Facilitated diffusion is a type of carrier-mediated transport
- Carrier proteins bind to specific substances and transport them across the membrane
- Characteristics:
- Specificity: each carrier protein binds to specific substances
- Saturation: finite number of carrier proteins, leading to saturation
- Competition: multiple substances competing for same carrier protein
- Examples:
- GLUT4: facilitates glucose transport into adipose and muscle cells
- Insulin stimulates GLUT4 insertion into cell membrane
Active Transport
- Active transport moves substances from low to high concentration, requiring energy input
- Examples:
- Iodine uptake in thyroid gland cells
- Sodium-potassium pump (Na+/K+ ATPase) maintains ion balance
Cell Membrane Structure
- Fluid mosaic model: flexible and dynamic structure with integral and peripheral proteins
- Components:
- Phospholipids: amphipathic molecules forming bilateral layer
- Cholesterol: maintains fluidity and stability
- Carbohydrates: attached to lipids or proteins, functioning as identity markers
- Functions:
- Physical barrier
- Homeostasis maintenance
- Mechanical barrier
- Adhesion between cells
- Cell signaling
Membrane Proteins
- Types:
- Intrinsic (integral): spanning the membrane
- Extrinsic (peripheral): attached to one side of the membrane
- Functions:
- Aquaporins: water channels
- Ion channels: selective ion transport
- Carrier molecules: facilitated diffusion
- Receptors: binding specific molecules
- Enzymes: performing physiological activities
- Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs): adhering cells together
Cell-Cell Adhesions
- Cell-cell adhesions form tissues, organs, and systems
- Extracellular matrix (ECM) components:
- Proteins
- Polysaccharides
- GAGs
- Functions:
- Adhesion
- Signaling
- Mechanical support
Second Messenger Pathways
- Second messenger relays signals inside the cell
- Amplifies initial response through a signaling cascade
- Two major pathways:
- Cyclic AMP
- Ca2+/DAG
Membrane Potential
- Plasma membrane is polarized electrically, with a potential difference across the membrane
- Generation of RMP (-70mV) due to unequal distribution of Na+, K+, and anions
- Membrane potential is the capacity to do work, measured in millivolts (mV)
Learn about the crucial functions of the cell membrane, including its role as a physical barrier, maintaining homeostasis, and facilitating exchange of nutrients and wastes. Discover how it responds to environmental changes and signals, and how it knows when to produce an enzyme.
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