Cellular signaling and the cell membrane

Chapter 5: Membrane Transport and Cell Signaling Amphiphatic- refers to something that has both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions the cell membrane proteins Fluidity Low Temperatures-less fluid because the phospholipids pack together tightly Factors that Affect Fluidity: Amount of phospholipids- phospholipids have kinks in the tails due to their hydrogen bonds which make them harder to pack Cholesterol- inhibits the packing of the phospholipid tails at LOW TEMPERATURE. AT HIGH TEMPERATURE, it solidifies the membrane because it inhibits the movement of tails Proteins in the Membrane Intergal-penetrate the membrane, hydrophobic exterior, hydrophilic interior Peripheral-lie on either side of the membrane Major Protein Functions: -Transport-allows materials to diffuse