Cell Membranes

Front 1

Active transport

Back 1

the transport of molecules across a membrane and against their natural flow; mediated by carrier proteins and requiring outside energy.

Front 2

Carrier protein

Back 2

A protein responsible for mediating the active transport of molecules from one side of the lipid bilayer to the other. Transport is carried out by a conformational change that occurs within the protein that forms an opening for specific molecules to pass through.

Front 3

Channel protein

Back 3

A protein responsible for mediating the passive transport of molecules from one side of the lipid bilayer to the other. Transport is carried out by its membrane-spanning hydrophilic structure which, when open, allows molecules to pass through.

Front 4

Diffusion

Back 4

The transport process in which molecules naturally travel from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Front 5

Glycocalyx

Back 5

A layer of carbohydrates that coats the exterior of higher-ordered cells. Functions in protecting the cell from damage.

Front 6

Hydrophilic

Back 6

A polar molecule that selectively associates itself with water through hydrogen bonds.

Front 7

Hydrophobic

Back 7

A nonpolar molecule that does not readily associate with water through hydrogen bonds.

Front 8

Integral protein

Back 8

A membrane protein that cannot be easily removed from the lipid bilayer.

Front 9

Ionophore

Back 9

A class of membrane transport proteins. Small, hydrophobic molecules that increase membrane permeability to certain ions.

Front 10

Lipid bilayer

Back 10

A thin double layer of phospholipid molecules. Provides the structure of a cell membrane. Structure is a result of hydrophobic and hydrophilic forces.

Front 11

Lipid-bound protein

Back 11

Membrane proteins that are located entirely within the lipid bilayer, having no part touching either the inside or outside of the cell

Front 12

Multi-pass protein

Back 12

Transmembrane proteins that cross the lipid bilayer more than one time.

Front 13

Osmosis

Back 13

The process by which water naturally travels from an area of high concentration to one of lower concentration.

Front 14

Passive transport

Back 14

Transport mediated by channel proteins. The movement of molecules across a membrane according to the natural flow.

Front 15

Peripheral protein

Back 15

A membrane protein that can be easily removed from the lipid bilayer.

Front 16

Single-pass protein

Back 16

A transmembrane protein that only crosses the lipid bilayer one time.

Front 17

Transmembrane protein

Back 17

A membrane protein that spans the lipid bilayer having portions in contact with both the inside and outside of the cell. Area within the lipid bilayer forms an alpha-helix.