The Cell Membrane
In the cell membrane, there are multiple components. These are the Phospholipids, the proteins, and carbohydrates.
Phosopholipids make up the main portion of the membrane, creating the semi-flexible base. The phospholipids are a bi-layer because they each have a hydrophillic head and a hydrophobic set of tails. The tails meet in the middle, leaving the hydrophillic heads to protect them from their liquid surroundings.
The proteins in the cell membrane are used to push and pull macromolecules and other particles from inside and outside the cell. Some are channels, which passively allow the particles in and out of the cell. Some of them are active transport proteins, which means that they need an energy source in order to do their job.
Carbohydrates in the cell membrane are mainly sugars, and contain hormones that help determine the traits of the cell.
Phosopholipids make up the main portion of the membrane, creating the semi-flexible base. The phospholipids are a bi-layer because they each have a hydrophillic head and a hydrophobic set of tails. The tails meet in the middle, leaving the hydrophillic heads to protect them from their liquid surroundings.
The proteins in the cell membrane are used to push and pull macromolecules and other particles from inside and outside the cell. Some are channels, which passively allow the particles in and out of the cell. Some of them are active transport proteins, which means that they need an energy source in order to do their job.
Carbohydrates in the cell membrane are mainly sugars, and contain hormones that help determine the traits of the cell.