Cell Membranes Review

Cell Components (KNOW FOR TEST)

o Nucleus/nucleolus: houses chromosomes, transcription of DNA into RNA
(nucleolus is site of ribosomal RNA transcription and ribosome assembly
o Cytoplasm: semifluid substance of cell (70% H20)
o Mitochondrion: aerobic respiration, release of ATP
o Rough ER: protein synthesis (pancreatic cells, plasma cells, peptic cells)
o Smooth ER: phospholipid, steroid synthesis (special role in muscle) (leydig
cells, luteal cells)
o Ribosome: RNA unit that forms proteins, large/small subunits
o Golgi Complex: process polysaccharides/proteins into vesicles for
transport out of the cell
Flow is one way, mature and forming faces
o Lysosomes: certain degredative enzymes (contain low pH)
o Microfilaments: made of actin, responsible for cell movements
o Microtubules: made of tubulin, responsible for cell shape/transport of cell
components and vesicles
o Membrane: double layer of lipid, containing proteins
Membrane Examples:
o Hemodialysis:
o CAPD (Chronic Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis):
Functions of Biological Membranes
o Maintain homeostatic environment, separate cells/organelles, regulate
interactions, allow cell specialization, maintenance of cells, display
receptors for growth factors
o Diversity and specialization of cells is facilitated by their membranes
Membrane Composition
o Fluid mosaic model is widely accepted
o Contains receptor molecules and intracellular signaling systems
o Can be visualized with freeze fracture SEM (view porosities)
o Classical appearance comes from TEM examination. However, aldehydes
denature membrane, so what you see via this method may not be reality
o Cell membranes are typically around 50% lipid, 50% protein (by weight)
with glycoproteins and glycolipids (5-10%) of weight
o Lipids:
Phospholipids (facilitates pliability, make impermeable to water)
Glycolipids: CHO portion
Cholesterol: Major component, membrane fluidity, governs
movement of fatty acid chains
o Proteins
Peripheral membrane proteins: loosely adherent, detach from polar
reagents, extreme pH, high salt concentration
Integral membrane proteins: solubilized by detergents, can help
maintain cell shape
o Glycocalyx: cell surface coat, carbohydrate in nature

Membrane Biomechanical Properties (KNOW FOR TEST)

o Plastic: flexible, resistant to tearing
o Self-replicating: and self-repairing
o Functionalized: adaptable to application (ex: pores vs no pores)
o Compartmentalized: receptors, transmembrane domains
o Structurally adaptable:
o Perm-selective: impermeable, permeable, or selectively permeable
o Resistant: to degradation
o Electrically-facilitating: insulating or conductive as needed
Membrane Specializations (KNOW FOR TEST)
o Microvilli: found in intestines, increase surface area
o Basal Folds: opposite of microvilli, often contain mitochondria
In kidney tubules, secretory adaptation
o Occluding Junctions
Separate inside from outside, control passage of materials
Controls ion flux, osmotic pressure
Adjacent plasma membranes are fused together
o Adhering Junctions
Found in epithelia
Membranes are not fused, but come very close to each other
Glued together with unknown cement
o Gap Junctions
Found in all tissues, allows cells to talk to each other
Tightly controlled
o Nuclear Pores: openings in nuclear envelope for passage of RNA
Cystic Fibrosis: defective gene expression
o Altered chloride transport, changes mucus viscosity
Hydration
o Water loss through: perspiration, respiration, digestion/elimination
Basic Renal Functions (KNOW FOR TEST)
o Maintains systemic hydration, controls electrolytes, controls blood
pressure, controls skeletal mineralization, controls systemic pH, detoxify
and excrete wastes
o Specialized cells and the basement membrane control filtration in
glomerulus
Podocytes secrete GBM
o Renal Failure problems
Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, changes in plasma
composition, elevated blood pressure