UNSW Cell Biology

Medicine: Ageing and Endings: Membranes

Introduction

The boundary of each cell is the cell membrane (plasma membrane) and the inside every cell is also divided by membranes into many functional compartments.

Our understanding and models of membrane structure and function has changed through the years. Currently, at its simplest plasma membranes consists of a double layer of lipids with cholesterol and proteins inserted. The plasma membrane is also connected on the inside to the cell cytoskeleton and on the outside to the extracellular matrix.

Study Guide

The study guides below should be used in the order Brief -> Detailed -> In Depth depending how much time you have for this topic. Note that the information at each level is not duplicated on the next level, so do not go immediately to In Depth work through each level. External Links may open in a new browser window, close or minimise the new window to see the original Study Guide page.

Brief Study (1-15 minutes)

Start by looking at the key online cell biology textbooks.

These links will give you an introduction to membranes and some images of membranes.

Detailed Study (15-30 minutes)

More detailed online resources introduce key components, lipids, choesterol and proteins.

Includes a link to a complete set of lecture slides on membranes and links to other online textbooks, multimedia and searching.

In Depth (+30 minutes)

The pathways of membrane dynamics.

Includes links to review articles, research articles and laboratories.

What are researchers studying now?

Links

Search NLM Online Textbooks- "Membranes"

Molecular Biology of the Cell

Molecular Cell Biology

The Cell- A molecular Approach

Related Topics

Membranes, lipid, phospholipid, cholesterol, extracellular matrix, adhesion junctions, signaling,