Cell membrane
Dr. Lok Raj Joshi
Outline
• Cell membrane:
Functions,
Structure and composition
True or false?
A. Proteins and phospholipids together constitute 50 %
(by weight) of the cell membrane.
B. Phospholipids are fat soluble substances.
C. Lipids dissolve readily in water.
D. Phospholipid molecules line up in a single layer to
form the plasma membrane.
E. The cell membrane contains carrier molecules to
facilitate transport into or out of the cell.
Cell membrane
Fig. Structure of a cell (From Wheater’s Functional Histology)
• What are the functions of the cell membrane?
Functions of the cell membrane
• In sum,
Container (of the cell components)
Transport (between ECF and ICF)
Communication (cell to cell or long distance along the same
cell e.g. neuron, muscle fiber)
Connection (between cells)
Movement (of the cell)
Functions of the Cell Membrane
Serves as the boundary/interface with extracellular
fluid.
Regulates the transport of nutrients, ions and
metabolic wastes into or out of the cell. (passive or
active transport)
Serves to transmit the biological messages between
the cells. (receptors)
Functions (contd…)
Serves to generate and transmit the bio-electrical
signals in a neuron or a muscle fiber. (ion channels)
Links adjacent cells and anchors the cell to the
extracellular matrix. (cell adhesion molecules)
Helps in cell movement (e.g. ameboid movement)
Fig. Electron micrograph of a red blood cell plasma
membrane
(From Vander’s Human Physiology, 13th Edition)
Fig. Diagrammatic representation of the cell membrane
(From Vander’s Human Physiology, 13th Edition)
Carbohydrate
Outer surface
Peripheral
Inner surface protein
Integral
Protein
Fluid mosaic model (Singer
Fig. Electron micrograph of a red blood cell plasma membrane
and Nicolson, 1972)
(From Vander’s Human Physiology, 13th Edition) Fig. Structure of a cell membrane
Lipid bilayer
(Source: Wheater’s Functional Histology)
Composition of Cell Membrane
(% by weight)
1. Proteins (55 %)
2. Lipids (42 %)
Phospholipids (25%)
Cholesterol (13%)
Sphingolipids and other lipids (4%)
3. Carbohydrates (3 %)
Amphipathic molecule:
Hydrophilic head and
hydrophobic tail
Fig. Phospholipid structure
(Source: Wheater’s Functional Histology)
Plasma membrane lipid bilayer
• Serves as a major component of the cell membrane.
• Gives flexibility to the cell membrane. (cell movement,
endocytosis, exocytosis)
• Acts as a barrier for movement of water and water
soluble substances (ions, glucose, amino acids) across
the membrane.
• Allows lipid soluble substances (fatty acids, oxygen,
carbon dioxide, alcohol) to cross the membrane freely.
Fig. Transport pathways through the cell membrane
(From Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 12th
Edition)
Plasma membrane proteins
• Integral (intrinsic) proteins
Pass through the entire
thickness of the membrane
or immersed in a layer
• Peripheral (extrinsic)
proteins:
Attached to only one surface
of the membrane
Functions of cell membrane proteins
• Form channels for movement of water and water soluble molecules
across the membrane.
• Act as carriers or pumps for transport of some water soluble
substances across the membrane.
• Act as enzymes.
• Act as receptors for water soluble chemical messengers and antigens.
• Link adjacent cells and anchors the cell to the extracellular matrix.
• Affect cell shape and motility in association with the cytoskeleton.
Fig. Transport pathways through the cell membrane
(From Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 12th
Edition)
Carbohydrate
Membrane carbohydrates
• In the form of glycoproteins or
glycolipids.
• Form a loose outer coat called
glycocalyx.
Membrane carbohydrates
• Functions:
Give negative electrical charge
to the cell surface repelling
other negatively charges objects.
Help in cell to cell attachment.
Some have role in
immunological reactions e.g.
blood group antigens
True or false?
A. Current model of cell membrane is also called
‘fluid-mosaic model’.
B. Cell membrane is a rigid structure that cannot
change its shape.
C. Cell membrane permeability to ions can be
changed and regulated.
True or false?
A. Cell membrane receptors for hormones are
phospholipids.
B. Protein molecules form ion channels in the cell
membrane.
C. Lysosome is a membrane bound structure.
D. Most cell membranes are impermeable to water.
Functions of the cell membrane
• In sum,
Container
Selective transport (channels, carriers, pumps)
Communication (receptors, regulated ion channels)
Connection (cell adhesion molecules)
Catalyst (enzymes)
Movement (e.g. amoebic movement)
*
Fig. Diagrammatic representation of the cell membrane
(From Vander’s Human Physiology, 13th Edition)
Composition of Cell Membrane
(% by weight)
1. Proteins (55 %)
2. Lipids (42 %): Phospholipids, Cholesterol and other lipids (4%)
3. Carbohydrates (3 %)
Up next….
• Transport across the cell membrane (continued)
