Case 5
Learning goals:
1. Structure of a cell
2. Differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes
3. Function of organelles
4. What are the differences between different types of cells?
, 1. Structure of a cell
Cell membrane
Function: - protecting the cell from the outside environment
- determining what goes in/out the cell (semi-permeability)
The building blocks of a cell membrane are phospholipids.
- Contain: phosphate head, glycerol backbone and 2 fatty acids
- Fatty acids are on the inside of the membrane and the phosphate
head on the outside
Three types of membrane proteins:
1. Peripheral: on the membrane (fatty acids)
2. Membranous/integral: like a tunnel, goes entirely through it, canal
3. Trans membranous: tunnel with protrusions
a. Tight-junction: barrier
b. Desmosome: connection between cell and cell by
anchoring
c. Hemi-desmosome: connection between cell and ECM by
anchoring
d. Gap-junction: canal between two cells for fast
communication
The glycocalyx forms a layer around the cell membrane in
eukaryotic cells, and around the cell wall in prokaryotic cells. They
consist of polypeptides which are bonded covalently to the membrane
proteins and membrane lipids. The glycocalyx can identify molecules.
- It is like a cell coat of a carbohydrate-rich zone
Cytoskeleton
Function: - Supporting the plasma membrane
- Giving the cell an overall shape
Learning goals:
1. Structure of a cell
2. Differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes
3. Function of organelles
4. What are the differences between different types of cells?
, 1. Structure of a cell
Cell membrane
Function: - protecting the cell from the outside environment
- determining what goes in/out the cell (semi-permeability)
The building blocks of a cell membrane are phospholipids.
- Contain: phosphate head, glycerol backbone and 2 fatty acids
- Fatty acids are on the inside of the membrane and the phosphate
head on the outside
Three types of membrane proteins:
1. Peripheral: on the membrane (fatty acids)
2. Membranous/integral: like a tunnel, goes entirely through it, canal
3. Trans membranous: tunnel with protrusions
a. Tight-junction: barrier
b. Desmosome: connection between cell and cell by
anchoring
c. Hemi-desmosome: connection between cell and ECM by
anchoring
d. Gap-junction: canal between two cells for fast
communication
The glycocalyx forms a layer around the cell membrane in
eukaryotic cells, and around the cell wall in prokaryotic cells. They
consist of polypeptides which are bonded covalently to the membrane
proteins and membrane lipids. The glycocalyx can identify molecules.
- It is like a cell coat of a carbohydrate-rich zone
Cytoskeleton
Function: - Supporting the plasma membrane
- Giving the cell an overall shape