The Cell Membrane: Structure, Function, and Fluidity

💡The cell membrane acts as a barrier between intracellular and extracellular fluids, maintaining the integrity of the cell.

⚙️Membrane lipids, including phospholipids and cholesterol, provide fluidity and stability to the cell membrane.

🔍Membrane proteins play a crucial role in cell recognition and transport of molecules across the cell membrane.

💦The glycocalyx prevents cell dehydration and aids in antigen recognition by the immune system.

🌡️The fluidity of the cell membrane is influenced by temperature, the presence of cholesterol, and the types of fatty acids.

What is the function of the cell membrane?

—The cell membrane acts as a barrier, maintaining the integrity of the cell and controlling the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

How do membrane lipids contribute to cell membrane function?

—Membrane lipids, such as phospholipids and cholesterol, provide fluidity and stability to the cell membrane.

What is the role of membrane proteins?

—Membrane proteins play a crucial role in cell recognition, cell signaling, and the transport of molecules across the cell membrane.

What is the glycocalyx?

—The glycocalyx is a network of glycoproteins and glycolipids on the outer surface of the cell membrane. It prevents cell dehydration and aids in antigen recognition.

What factors affect the fluidity of the cell membrane?

—The fluidity of the cell membrane is influenced by temperature, the presence of cholesterol, and the types of fatty acids present in the membrane lipids.

00:02The cell membrane acts as a barrier between intracellular and extracellular fluids, maintaining the integrity of the cell.

02:57Membrane lipids, including phospholipids and cholesterol, provide fluidity and stability to the cell membrane.

08:21Membrane proteins play a crucial role in cell recognition and transport of molecules across the cell membrane.

11:00The glycocalyx prevents cell dehydration and aids in antigen recognition by the immune system.

18:01The fluidity of the cell membrane is influenced by temperature, the presence of cholesterol, and the types of fatty acids.