(8/18/10) - Cell Structure and Membranes



1. Identify the features of the cell that make it the basic unit of living matter.

2. Describe how cell organization is based on compartmentalization provided by membranes.

3. Identify the major molecular components of membranes and explain their organization as exemplified by the plasma membrane.

4. Identify the major functions of the plasma membrane.

5. Describe the asymmetric distribution and dynamics of the molecular components of membranes.

6. Recall how the organization of membrane components into different types of domains contributes to compartmental organization and function.

The plasma membrane contains many lipid rafts which are rich in sphingomyelins and cholesterol. Because the fatty acid chains are longer and more saturated in these areas the membrane becomes thicker in these areas and better accommodates particular proteins. In this way, lipid rafts are thought to help organize particular proteins in the membrane.

7. Describe the fundamental features of intercellular communication, both short- and long-range.

8. Explain ways in which cells respond to signals to produce specific responses, and distinguish ways in which distinct cell types respond differently to common signals.

9. Identify the membrane-bounded compartments found in all cells and their major functions.

10. Explain the difference between the cytoplasm and the cytosol.

11. Describe how the specific structure of a cell is strongly correlated with its function and the underlying basis for specialized functions of specific cell types.

12. Identify where in the cell proteins are synthesized and describe mechanisms that insure targeting of specific proteins to the nucleus, intracellular transport pathway (ER, Golgi, endosome, lysosome, plasma membrane), mitochondria, and peroxisomes.