Biology

Sylvia S. Mader
Michael Windelspecht
Chapter 5
Membrane Structure
and Function
Lecture Outline

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1
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 5.1 Plasma Membrane
Structure and Function
• The plasma membrane is common to all cells
• Separates internal cytoplasm from the external environment
of the cell
• Composed mainly of phospholipid bilayer:
 This bilayer allows for selective permeability, enabling
certain substances to pass while restricting others.
 Nonpolar, hydrophobic, fatty-acid tails sandwiched in
between
 These hydrophobic tails face inward, away from the water,
while the hydrophilic heads face outward toward the water.
 This arrangement helps maintain the structural integrity of
the cell while allowing it to interact with its environment.
2
 Plasma Membrane Structure
and Function
 Components of the Plasma Membrane
 Three components:
• Phospholipids, proteins, and carbohydrates.

 The phospholipids create a bilayer that forms the basic structure of the
membrane.

 Proteins float around like icebergs on a sea of lipids, contributing to various

functions such as transport, signaling, and structural support.
 Membrane proteins may be peripheral or integral
• Peripheral proteins are found on the inner membrane surface, participate
in signaling and maintaining the cell's shape.
• Integral proteins are partially or wholly embedded (transmembrane) in
the membrane, transporting substances across the membrane.

3
 Membrane Proteins
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phospholipid
Water outside cell

integral
protein hydrophobic
region

hydrophilic
regions cholesterol

peripheral
proteins
Water inside cell
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 Plasma Membrane Structure
and Function
• Carbohydrate Chains

 Glycoproteins
• Proteins with attached carbohydrate chains

 Glycolipids
• Lipids with attached carbohydrate chains which makes the
membrane asymmetrical

• Important for cell recognition (tag)

5
Plasma Membrane of an Animal Cell
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Plasma membrane

carbohydrate
extracellular chain Outside cell
Matrix (ECM)

hydrophobic hydrophilic
glycoprotein tails heads
phospholipid
phospholipid glycolipid bilayer

filaments of cytoskeleton Inside cell

peripheral protein integral protein

cholesterol

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 Plasma Membrane Structure
and Function
• Functions of Membrane Proteins

 Channel proteins

• Allow passage of molecules through membrane via a channel

in the protein

 Carrier proteins

• Combine with the substance to be transported

• Assist passage of molecules through membrane

 Receptor proteins

• Glycoproteins
• Help the body recognize foreign substances
• Bind with specific molecules allowing cells to respond to 7
signals from other cells
 Plasma Membrane Structure
and Function
 Functions of Membrane Proteins (continued)

 Enzymatic proteins

• Carry out metabolic reactions directly

 Adhesion proteins

• Attach adjacent cells

8
 Membrane Protein Diversity
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Channel Protein: Carrier Protein: Cell Recognition

Allows a particular Selectively interacts Protein:
molecule or ion to with a specific The MHC (major
cross the plasma molecule or ion so histocompatibility
membrane freely. that it can cross the complex) glycoproteins
Cystic fibrosis, an plasma membrane. are different for each
inherited disorder, The inability of some person, so organ
is caused by a persons to use transplants are difficult
faulty chloride (Cl–) energy for sodium- to achieve. Cells with
channel; a thick potassium (Na+–K+) foreign MHC
mucus collects in transport has been glycoproteins are
airways and in suggested as the attacked by white blood
pancreatic and cause of their obesity. cells responsible for
liver ducts. immunity.

a. b. c.

Receptor Protein: Enzymatic Protein: Junction Proteins:

Is shaped in such a Catalyzes a specific Tight junctions join
way that a specific reaction. The membrane cells so that a tissue
molecule can bind to protein, adenylate can fulfill a function, as
it. Pygmies are short, cyclase, is involved in when a tissue pinches
not because they do ATP metabolism. Cholera off the neural tube
not produce enough bacteria release a toxin during development.
growth hormone, but that interferes with the Without this
because their plasma proper functioning of cooperation between
membrane growth adenylate cyclase; cells, an animal
hormone receptors sodium (Na+) and water embryo would have no
are faulty and cannot leave intestinal cells, and nervous system.
interact with growth the individual may die
hormone. from severe
diarrhea.
d. e. f.
 Plasma Membrane Structure
and Function
• Cholesterol is a crucial component of the plasma
membrane as it plays essential roles in maintaining the
integrity and functionality of the plasma membrane.

• It is embedded within the phospholipid bilayer aiding in

stabilizing the structure of the membrane.

• It makes the membrane less permeable to very small

water-soluble molecules that might otherwise pass freely
through.

• Cholesterol also plays a role in maintaining fluidity of the

membrane at varying temperatures.

 At higher temperatures, it helps to stabilize the

membrane and prevent it from becoming too fluid.
 At lower temperatures, cholesterol prevents the 10
membrane from becoming too rigid
 How Cells Talk to One
Another
• How do cells talk to each other

 Cell receptors bind to specific signaling molecules

 Once the signaling molecule and the cell receptor
bind a cascade of events occurs that elicits a cellular
response
• Signal transduction pathway

11
 Cell Signaling
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a. egg embryo newborn

1. Receptor: Binds to a signaling 3. Response: Targeted protein(s)

molecule, becomes activated and bring about a cellular response.
initiates a transduction pathway.
Targeted Cellular
signaling plasma
protein: response:
molecule membrane

Altered shape
structural or movement
receptor of cell
protein
activation

Altered
enzyme metabolism
[Link] pathway: Series or cellular
of relay proteins that ends when function
a protein is activated.

unactivated Altered gene

receptor Nuclear expression
protein envelope gene and the types
regulatory and amount
protein of proteins
produced
Cytoplasm Nucleus

b. 12
Left: © Anatomical Travelogue/Photo Researchers, Inc.; Middle: © Neil Harding/Stone/Getty Images; Right: © Photodisc Collection/Getty RF
 Plasma Membrane Structure
and Function
• Permeability of the Plasma Membrane
 The plasma membrane is selectively permeable.
• Allows some substances to move across the
membrane
• Inhibits passage of other molecules

 Small, non-charged molecules (CO2, O2, glycerol,

alcohol) freely cross the membrane by passing
through the phospholipid bilayer

• These molecules follow their concentration

gradient
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 Plasma Membrane Structure
and Function
• Movement of solutes based on concentration
 The movement of solutes in solutions is primarily influenced by
the concentration gradient, A concentration gradient occurs when
there is a difference in the concentration of a solute between two
areas

 Solutes tend to move from an area of higher concentration to an

area of lower concentration in a process known as diffusion, This
movement continues until equilibrium is reached, meaning the
concentration of the solute is equal in both areas.

 Several factors can affect the rate of diffusion, including

temperature, size of solute particles, and the nature of the
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solvent.
 Plasma Membrane Structure
and Function
• Movement of solutes based on concentration
(continued)
• Higher temperatures increase the energy and movement of
solute particles, leading to faster diffusion.
• Smaller solute particles generally diffuse more quickly than
larger ones due to their ability to navigate through spaces
between solvent molecules.
• The nature of the solvent also plays a role; for example,
solutes dissolve more easily in solvents that match their
polarity.
• In summary, the movement of solutes through solutions is
driven by concentration gradients and can be influenced by
temperature, particle size, and solvent properties. 15
 Plasma Membrane Structure
and Function
• Permeability of the Plasma Membrane

 Water moves across the plasma membrane through

specialized proteins termed aquaporins
 The movement of ions and polar molecules across
the membrane is often assisted by carrier proteins
 Some molecules must move against their
concentration gradient with the expenditure of energy,
a process known as active transport.
 Large particles enter or exit the cell via bulk transport,
which includes processes such as endocytosis and
exocytosis.
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How Molecules Cross the
Plasma Membrane Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Permission required for reproduction or display.

charged molecules
– + and ions
water outside cell

hyd nonp H2O

r o p ol a
ho r
bi c , noncharged
cor molecules
e

macromolecule
+
–

water inside cell phospholipid

molecule

protein

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Passage of Molecules Into
and out of the Cell

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 Plasma Membrane Structure
and Function
• Passage methods through cell membrane

 Simple diffusion
• Molecules move from an area of high
concentration to an area of low concentration
(down the concentration gradient)
• No energy required, molecules move through the
phospholipid bilayer
• Small, non-polar molecules like O2, CO2, and
alcohol

19
 Plasma Membrane Structure
and Function
• Passage methods through cell membrane
(continued)

 Facilitated diffusion
• Molecules move down their concentration gradient
with the help of a protein channel or carrier
• No energy required, but needs a specific channel or
carrier protein
• Ions (e.g., Na+, K+), polar molecules (e.g., glucose)

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 Plasma Membrane Structure
and Function
• Passage methods through cell membrane
(continued)

 Osmosis
• Water moves from an area of low solute
concentration to an area of high solute
concentration through a selectively permeable
membrane
• Requires aquaporins (water channels)
• Water molecules (H2O)

21
 Plasma Membrane Structure
and Function
• Passage methods through cell membrane
(continued)

 Active transport
• Molecules move against their concentration
gradient (from low to high concentration)
• Requires energy in the form of ATP and specific
carrier proteins
• Ions (e.g., Na+, K+, H+), glucose (in special cases)

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 Plasma Membrane Structure
and Function
• Passage methods through cell membrane
(continued)

 Endocytosis
• Large particles or fluids are engulfed by the cell
membrane and brought into the cell
• Requires energy; membrane forms a vesicle
around the substance
• Large molecules, pathogens, nutrients

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 Plasma Membrane Structure
and Function
• Passage methods through cell membrane
(continued)

 Exocytosis
• Large particles or secretory products are expelled
from the cell via vesicles that fuse with the plasma
membrane
• Requires energy; vesicles fuse with the membrane
• Waste products, hormones, enzymes

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5.2 Passive Transport Across
a Membrane
• A solution consists of:
 Solute (the dissolved material)
 Solvent (dissolver)
• Diffusion
 Net movement of molecules down a concentration
gradient
 Molecules move both ways along gradient, but net
movement is from high to low concentration
 At equilibrium, the solute concentration becomes
uniform, meaning no concentration gradient is present

25
 Process of Diffusion

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time time

crystal
dye

a. Crystal of dye is placed in water b. Diffusion of water and dye molecules c. Equal distribution of molecules results

26
Gas Exchange in Lungs
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highO2 lowO2
concentration concentration

O2
O2
O2
O2 O2

O2 O2
O2
oxygen
O2 O2
O2
O2
O2 O2
bronchiole

alveolus capillary

27
 Passive Transport Across a
Membrane
• Osmosis:
 Special case of diffusion
 Focuses on solvent (water) movement rather than
solute
 Diffusion of water across a selectively permeable
membrane
 Water can diffuse both ways across membranes but
the solute cannot
 Net movement of water is toward low water (high
solute) concentration
 Osmotic pressure is the pressure that results from the
movement of water across the membrane toward the
higher solute concentration

28
 Osmosis Demonstration
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less water (higher more water (lower

percentage of solute) percentage of solute)
<10%
10% water solute

5% thistle >5% less water (higher

more water (lower tube
percentage of solute) percentage of solute)
a. c.

differentially
permeable
membrane

beaker

b.

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 Passive Transport Across a
Membrane
• Tonicity refers to the effect of a solution on cell
volume, its affected by concertation and
membrane permeability

• Isotonic Solutions (equilibrated solution)

 No net gain or loss of water by the cell

• Hypotonic Solutions (low solute concertation)

 Cells placed in a hypotonic solution will swell
• Causes turgor pressure in plants
• May cause animal cells to lyse (rupture)
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 Passive Transport Across a
Membrane
• Hypertonic Solutions (high solute
concertation)
Cells placed in a hypertonic solution will shrink
• Crenation in animal cells
• Plasmolysis in plant cells

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 Passive Transport Across a
Membrane
• In animal cells
 In an isotonic solution, there is no net movement of water

 In a hypotonic solution, water mainly enters the cell, which

may burst (lysis), example, hemolysis is the lysis of blood
cells

 In a hypertonic solution, water mainly leaves the cell,

which shrivels (crenation)

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 Passive Transport Across a
Membrane
• In plant cells
 In an isotonic solution, there is no net movement of water

 In a hypotonic solution, vacuoles fill with water, turgor

pressure develops, and chloroplasts are seen next to the
cell wall.

 In a hypertonic solution, vacuoles lose water, the

cytoplasm shrinks (plasmolysis), and chloroplasts are
seen in the center of the cell.

33
Osmosis in Animal and Plant Cells
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Animal plasma
cells membrane

nucleus

In an isotonic solution, there is no net In a hypotonic solution, water In a hypertonic solution, water
movement of water. mainly enters the cell, which may mainly leaves the cell, which
burst (lysis). shrivels (crenation).

Plant
cells

cell
wall
nucleus
central
vacuole plasma
membrane

chloroplast

In an isotonic solution, there is no In a hypotonic solution, vacuoles In a hypertonic solution, vacuoles

net movement of water. fill with water, turgor pressure lose water, the cytoplasm shrinks
develops, and chloroplasts are (plasmolysis), and chloroplasts
seen next to the cell wall. are seen in the center of the cell. 34
Passive Transport Across a
Membrane
 Facilitated Transport

•These molecules must combine with carrier

proteins to move across the membrane
•Follow concentration gradient, moving from high
concentration to low concentration

35
 Facilitated Transport
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Inside

plasma
membrane
carrier
protein

solute

Outside
5.3 Active Transport Across a
Membrane
 Active Transport
• Movement from low to high concentration
• Movement is facilitated by carrier proteins

• Example: sodium-potassium pump

– Uses ATP to move sodium ions out of the cells and
potassium ions into the cell against their concentration
gradients.

37
The Sodium-Potassium Pump
Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Permission required for reproduction or display.
Outside
carrier K+
protein
K+

K+ K+

K+ + Na+ K+ K+
Na K+
Na +
K K+
+
Na + Na
Na + Na + Na +
Na +
Inside

Na +
1. Carrier has a shape that allows
it to take up 3 Na+.
Na +

Na + P
+
+ Na
Na Na +
K+ K+ ATP

6. Change in shape results and 2. ATP is split, and phosphate

causes carrier to release 2K+ group attaches to carrier.
inside the cell.

Na+ + Na +
Na +
K+
Na Na
+
K+ K+

+
Na K+ K+ K+

K+

K+

Na + +
+
K+ Na P
Na
+ K+
Na
+
Na
P K+ K+ Na +
Na +

5. Phosphate group is released 3. Change in shape results and

from carrier. causes carrier to release 3 Na+
outside the cell.

P
+
Na
Na +

4. Carrier has a shape that

allows it to take up 2 K+.

38
 Active Transport Across a
Membrane
• Macromolecules are transported into or out of the cell
inside vesicles via bulk transport
 Exocytosis
• transporting substances out of the cell
 Endocytosis
• transporting substances into the cell
 Phagocytosis
• Large, solid material is taken in by endocytosis
 Pinocytosis
• Vesicles form around a liquid or very small particles
 Receptor-Mediated Endocytosis
• Specific form of pinocytosis using receptor proteins and a
39
coated pit
 Exocytosis
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Plasma membrane Outside

Inside
secretory
vesicle

40
Three Methods of Endocytosis
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plasma membrane
paramecium

pseudopod
vacuole
forming

vacuole

a. Phagocytosis 399.9 μm

vesicles
forming

solute
vesicle

b. Pinocytosis 0.5 μm

receptor protein

coated coated
pit vesicle

solute
coated vesicle
coated pit 41
c. Receptor-mediated endocytosis
 5.4 Modifications of Cell
Surfaces
• Cell Surfaces in Animals
 Extracellular Matrix (ECM), provides structure
and support outside the cell
– Collagen – resists stretching
– Elastin – provides resilience to the ECM
– Integrin – play role in cell signaling
– Proteoglycans – regulate passage of material through
the ECM to the plasma membrane

42
Animal Cell Extracellular Matrix
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Inside (cytoplasm)
actin filament

integrin
elastin

fibronectin
proteoglycan
collagen
Outside (extracellular matrix)

43
Modifications of Cell Surfaces
• Cell Surfaces in Animals
 Junctions Between Cells
• Adhesion Junctions - Intercellular filaments
between cells
– Desmosomes – internal cytoplasmic plaques
– Tight Junctions – form impermeable barriers

• Gap Junctions
– Plasma membrane channels are joined (allows
communication)

44
Junctions Between Cells of the
Intestinal Wall Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Permission required for reproduction or display.

plasma
cytoplasmic membranes
plaque

Filaments
of
cytoskeleton

adhesion
proteins
100 nm intercellular
space

a. Adhesion junction

plasma
membranes

light junction
proteins

intercellular
50 nm space

b. Tight junction

plasma
membranes

membrane
channels

intercellular
space
20 nm

c. Gap junction 45
a: From Douglas E. Kelly, J. Cell Biol. 28 (1966): 51. Reproduced by copyright permission of The Rockefeller University Press; b: © David M. Phillips/Visuals Unlimited;
c: Courtesy Camillo Peracchia, M.D.
Modifications of Cell Surfaces
• Plant Cell Walls
 Plants have a freely permeable cell wall, with
cellulose as the main component
• Plasmodesmata penetrate the cell wall
• Each contains a strand of cytoplasm
• Allow passage of material between cells

46
 Plasmodesmata
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plasmodesmata

cell wall

cell wall middle lamella

plasma plasma
membrane membrane
cell wall cell wall

cytoplasm cytoplasm

plasmodesmata

Cell 1 Cell 2

0.3mm

47
© E.H. Newcomb/Biological Photo Service