Cell Membrane Dynamics and Transport Mechanisms
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Cell Membrane Dynamics
Plasma membrane phospholipids are labeled with a fluorescent tag and then the phospholipids in one area are bleached with a laser beam to eliminate the fluorescent signal. What would one observe after the cell is incubated for a few minutes? The bleached molecules would diffuse laterally through the membrane and intermix with unbleached molecules. Cellular membranes are mosaic and fluid. Glycosylated proteins and lipids within the plasma membrane are important for cell recognition and protection.
Passive Diffusion
Passive diffusion is a spontaneous process. Water diffuses through certain organs such as the kidneys and bladder much faster than would occur by passive diffusion through a lipid bilayer alone. What accounts for... Continue reading "Cell Membrane Dynamics and Transport Mechanisms" »