Why Is the Plasma Membrane Called Selectively Permeable?

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Last updated on June 13th, 2022 at 03:08 am

Why is Cell Membrane called Selectively Permeable Membrane?  Plasma membranes are called selectively permeable because It is only possible for certain molecules to move in and out of the cells . Not all molecules can diffuse.

The plasma membrane is a covering that is found on the outside of the cell. It keeps the contents of the cell from coming into contact with the outside environment.

The molecules of particular substances are able to move freely in and out of the cells when the plasma membrane is compromised to the point where it either ruptures or falls apart.

 

Why is cell membrane considered as semipermeable membrane

Osmosis and cell proliferation are two processes that cannot transfer substances from the surrounding environment to the interior of the cell because the plasma membrane functions as a physical barrier.

As a consequence of this, the protoplasmic material is lost, which leads to the degeneration of the tissue. Hydrophobic molecules and small polar molecules are able to pass through the lipid layer, but ions and larger polar molecules are unable to do so.

This is because the membrane does not allow the ions and large polar molecules to pass through.

 

The Cell Membranes

Membranes are essential for life. They separate our cells into compartments that keep things inside and outside the cell separated. The outermost layer of each cell is called the plasma membrane.

It’s made up of proteins embedded in a lipid bi layer. This structure allows the cell to control which molecules enter and leave the cell.

 

Types of Membranes

There are three main types of membranes:

  • the plasma membrane,
  • the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and the
  • Golgi apparatus.

Each type has its own function.

The plasma membrane is the outermost layer of a cell. It contains proteins that allow cells to communicate with each other and with the outside world. The plasma membrane also allows nutrients into the cell and wastes out of the cell.

The ER is an organelle within the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. It is responsible for protein synthesis and processing. The ER is also where lipids are synthesized.

The Golgi apparatus is a series of vesicles that move through the cytoplasm. They sort molecules by size and shape before moving them along the secretory pathway.

 

Proteins in the plasma membrane

Plasma membranes contain integral proteins that are buried deep within the lipid bilayer of the membrane itself. This indicates that they are not freely dispersed throughout the solution.

They are instead attached to the inner surface of the membrane where they remain bound.

There are two types of protein molecules in the plasma membrane:

1. Integral Membrane Proteins

Proteins that are integral to the membrane, also known as integral membrane proteins; these proteins, as their name suggests, are integrated into the membrane.

At least one of their hydrophobic regions can form a binding interaction with the hydrophobic centre of the phospholipid bilayer.

While others extend from one side of the membrane to the other and are visible on both sides, some only adhere to the membrane in part, while others completely cross the membrane.

Proteins that are able to move freely throughout a membrane are known as transmembrane proteins.

 

2. Peripheral membrane proteins –

Proteins located on the outer or inner surface of the lipid layer make up what are known as peripheral membrane proteins.

Both the exterior and interior of the skin contain proteins that are part of the peripheral membrane. These proteins are phospholipids or integral proteins and are attached to them.

Peripheral membrane proteins, as opposed to integral membrane proteins, do not bind to the hydrophobic core of the membrane and have a greater degree of flexibility as a result.

 

Membrane Transport

Substances can enter and exit cells primarily through one of two different pathways. One method is called passive diffusion, and it describes the process that takes place when very small molecules freely move through a lipid bilayer.

There is also something called active transport, which refers to movement dependent on energy across the membrane.

The process of passive diffusion is frequently utilised for the transport of nutrients like glucose, oxygen, and amino acids.

Ions and larger molecules, such as hormones and antibodies, are transported via active transport. Examples of ions that are transported include sodium.

 

Membrane Receptors

Receptors can be found in the cell membrane, and these receptors allow certain molecules to bind to the membrane.

Because they are able to pass through the cell membrane, these proteins are referred to as transmembrane receptors. Due to the fact that they are an inherent component of the membrane, they are also referred to as integral membrane proteins.

 

Why is Cell Membrane called Selectively Permeable Membrane

 

Functions of the Plasma Membrane.

  • A barrier is created between the internal organelles of the cell and the outside environment by the plasma membrane.
  • only certain molecules are allowed to pass through.
  • The cell is able to communicate and send signals more effectively as a result.

 

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