Physiology 2130 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Membrane Potential, Red Blood Cell, Osmotic Concentration

• School: Western University
• Department: Physiology
• Course: Physiology 2130
• Professor: Christine Bell

Document Summary

Separates the intracellular environment from the extracellular environment. Proteins, nucleotides, and other large molecules needed for the structure and function of the cell cannot pass this membrane. Provides a two-way traffic for nutrients and waste needed to sustain metabolism. Section 3. 5 cell membrane structure and cholesterol for stability. Made up of proteins that form channels and pores, carbohydrate molecules for cell recognition, Section 3. 6 phospholipids: phosphate head organs to the intracellular side of the membrane. When many phospholipids are thrown into water, they will align themselves into a lipid bilayer so that the head groups all face out toward the water and the tails away from the water. Since the fatty acid tails are hydrophobic they are the major barrier to water and water-soluble substances (anything that dissolves in water) such as ions, glucose, urea, and most of the other molecules found in living organisms.