Transport Mechanism

Transport Mechanism
Objectives:
1. Describe the structural components of the cell membrane.

2. Relate the structure & composition of the cell membrane to
its function.
3. Explain the transport mechanisms in cells (Diffusion, Osmosis,
Facilitated Transport, Active Transport)
4. Differentiate Exocytosis & Endocytosis
Structural components of the Cell Membrane
Plasma Membrane
-a microscopic membrane of lipids and proteins which forms

the external boundary of the cytoplasm of a cell or encloses a
vacuole and regulates the passage of molecules in and out of the
cytoplasm.
-molecular bilayer of phospholipids with the proteins arranged
at random outer half, inner half of the lipid or extend entirely
through the bilayer.
-called as the fluid-mosaic model as proposed by Singer and
Nicholson in 1972.
-semi-fluid in nature allowing mobility of the lipids & proteins
within the membrane.
Hydrophilic Region- tend to form
hydrogen bonds with water and
other polar molecules on both the
exterior and interior of the cell;
“water-loving”.
Hydrophobic Region- usually non-

polar, meaning atoms that makes
the molecule do not produce a
static electric field; “water-hating”
Function of the Plasma Membrane
-gives strength, shape & protection to the cell.
-regulates traffic flow of materials between the interior of
the cell and its environment.
Modifications of the Plasma Membrane

-with microvilli at the apical surface to increase surface area
for absorption.
-with glycocalyx, a carbohydrate-protein or a carbohydrate-
lipid complex acted as a cell coat for cell interactions.
-in plant cell, with thick cell wall outside the plasma
membrane that provides strength & rigidity of the cell.
Principal Components of Plasma Membrane
1. Lipids (phospholipids & cholesterol)

2. Proteins
3. Carbohydrates
Lipids
-group of compounds which forms the double-layered
surface of all cells (lipid bilayer)
-three major classes: phospholipids, glycolipids &
cholesterol.
Phospholipids- are molecules with hydrophilic phosphate head and
hydrophilic lipid tails; surrounds and protects internal cell
components; contributes to both shape and functionality of cells.
Glycolipids- are carbohydrate-attached lipids which are associated
with cell membranes; provides energy & serve as markers for
cellular recognition.
Cholesterol- maintain the integrity and fluidity of cell membrane
and serve as a precursor for the substance synthesis which
includes steroid hormones, bile acids & Vitamin D.
Diffusion- the net movement of particles from a region of greater
concentration to a region of lesser concentration; occurs because
of the kinetic energy of the particles in order to attain
equalization of concentration & maintain equilibrium.
Concentration Gradient
-occurs when the concentration of particles is higher in one area
than another.
Osmosis- the diffusion of water or solvents through a semi-
permeable membrane from lower osmotic pressure to greater
osmotic pressure; depends on the amount of solutes; when the
concentration of solutes is higher than the solvent, the greater
osmotic pressure and vice-versa.
Membrane Proteins
Permeable Membrane
-are those which let solvents & solutes such as ions &
molecules, to pass through them
Semipermeable membrane
-are those which let only solvents, such as water, pass through
them.
Example: Plant Cell Wall (Root Cells)
Filter Paper
Parchment Paper
Cellophane
Strainer
Impermeable Membrane
-is one through which no substance can pass.
Permeable Membrane
-is a type of biological or synthetic, polymeric membrane that
will allow certain molecules or ions to pass through it by osmosis- -
or occasionally by more specialized processes of facilitated
diffusion, passive transport or active transport.
Ex. phospholipid bilayer cell membrane
inner membrane of an egg
Types of Solution
1. Isotonic Solution- a solution whose osmotic pressure is equal

to that of the cell, no change will occur thus a balance is
maintained (equilibrium)
2. Hypertonic Solution- a solution whose osmotic pressure is
greater than that of the cell; it will cause water to leave the cell,
thus the cell will shrink or crenate (plasmolysis in plant or
crenation in animal cell).
3. Hypotonic Solution- a solution whose osmotic pressure is lower
than that of the cell; it will cause water to enter the cell, thus
the cell will swell or hemolyze or even burst in animal cell
(turgidity in plant or hemolysis in animal cell).
Types of Transport Mechanisms
1. Simple diffusion- the particle is transported through the
membrane without the aid of permease and without
expenditure of energy by the cell.
Facilitated diffusion- the particle is transported through the
permease of the membrane but without expenditure of energy
by the cell.
Active transport- the particle is transported through the
permease of the membrane and with the expenditure of energy
by the cell.
Bulk transport- particles are transported in large amounts or in
bulk without actually passing or crossing the membrane but
through endocytosis (inward) or exocytosis (outward)
Phagocytosis- the particle to be engulfed is in solid form or
chunks of matter, commonly called as “cell eating”
Pinocytosis- the particle to be engulfed is in liquid form or very
small, commonly called as “cell drinking”

Transport Mechanism

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Transport Mechanism

1. Describe the structural components of the cell membrane.

-a microscopic membrane of lipids and proteins which forms

Hydrophobic Region- usually non-

Modifications of the Plasma Membrane

1. Lipids (phospholipids & cholesterol)

1. Isotonic Solution- a solution whose osmotic pressure is equal

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