8 Membrane structure and dynamics Questions What are the functions of biological membranes? How are the lipid components organized in biological membranes? How does cholesterol stabilize the plasma membrane? General functions of biological membranes Compartmentalization Biological membranes form a continuous sheet-like barrier around cells or intracellular compartments. By restricting the diffusion of most substances and facilitating the movement of others through a wide variety of protein pores and transport systems, membranes present highly selective permeability barriers that allow the control of the chemical environment in cellular compartments and between the cell and its surroundings. Communication Membranes contribute to biological communication by mediating information flow between cellular compartments and between cells and their environment. The presence of specific molecules in membranes allows recognition of stimuli in the form of chemical signals (e.g. hormones, local mediators and neurotransmitters), electrical events (changes in membrane potential) and light (retina) as well as generation of secondary signals, which may be physical, chemical or electrical, in response to recognition of the primary stimulus. Different membranes may have specialized functions. Membrane structure Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Like this:Like Loading... Related Related posts: Kinases and phosphatases in cell signalling Ion pumps and ion exchangers Electrical conduction in nerves Proteins and protein function Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel Join Tags: The Flesh and Bones of Medical Cell Biology Jun 18, 2016 | Posted by admin in BIOCHEMISTRY | Comments Off on Membrane structure and dynamics Full access? Get Clinical Tree
8 Membrane structure and dynamics Questions What are the functions of biological membranes? How are the lipid components organized in biological membranes? How does cholesterol stabilize the plasma membrane? General functions of biological membranes Compartmentalization Biological membranes form a continuous sheet-like barrier around cells or intracellular compartments. By restricting the diffusion of most substances and facilitating the movement of others through a wide variety of protein pores and transport systems, membranes present highly selective permeability barriers that allow the control of the chemical environment in cellular compartments and between the cell and its surroundings. Communication Membranes contribute to biological communication by mediating information flow between cellular compartments and between cells and their environment. The presence of specific molecules in membranes allows recognition of stimuli in the form of chemical signals (e.g. hormones, local mediators and neurotransmitters), electrical events (changes in membrane potential) and light (retina) as well as generation of secondary signals, which may be physical, chemical or electrical, in response to recognition of the primary stimulus. Different membranes may have specialized functions. Membrane structure Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Like this:Like Loading... Related Related posts: Kinases and phosphatases in cell signalling Ion pumps and ion exchangers Electrical conduction in nerves Proteins and protein function Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel Join Tags: The Flesh and Bones of Medical Cell Biology Jun 18, 2016 | Posted by admin in BIOCHEMISTRY | Comments Off on Membrane structure and dynamics Full access? Get Clinical Tree
