Cell physiology

• Cholesterol is an important component of the cell membrane that helps maintain its fluidity at different temperatures.
• Phospholipids are amphiphilic molecules with hydrophobic tails and polar heads that form the bilayer structure of the cell membrane.
• The cell membrane is composed of phospholipids, cholesterol, proteins, glycolipids, and carbohydrates.
• The plasma membrane has two main functions: to separate the inside of the cell from the outside environment, and to allow selective passage of substances into or out of the cell.
• The plasma membrane consists of phospholipids, cholesterol, proteins, and carbohydrates.
• Phospholipids are amphiphilic molecules with hydrophobic tails and hydrophilic heads.
• The phosphate group on the head of the phospholipid can be negatively charged, allowing it to interact with other charged molecules or proteins.
• Protein channels allow specific substances to pass through the cell membrane by diffusion or active transport.
• The lipid bilayer forms the basic structural unit of the plasma membrane.
• Glycolipids are lipids attached to carbohydrates and play a role in cell recognition and communication.
• Gated protein channels open and close in response to stimuli such as hormones, neurotransmitters, and light.
• Sphingomyelin is a type of sphingoglycolipid found in animal cells and has a ceramide backbone instead of glycerol.
• The plasma membrane consists of a lipid bilayer containing embedded proteins and other components such as cholesterol and glycoproteins.
• Carbohydrate chains on the surface of the cell membrane serve as recognition sites for other cells and pathogens.
• Proteins play various roles in the plasma membrane, including structural support, transport of materials across the membrane, recognition of other cells, and signaling between cells.
• The plasma membrane acts as a barrier between the internal contents of the cell and the external environment.