Everything about Biological Membranes totally explained
A
biological membrane or
biomembrane is an enclosing or separating
amphipathic layer that acts as a barrier within or around a
cell. It is, almost invariably, a
lipid bilayer, composed of a double layer of
lipid-class
molecules, specifically
phospholipids, with occasional
proteins intertwined, some of which function as
channels.
Function
Such membranes typically define enclosed spaces or
compartments in which cells may maintain a
chemical or
biochemical environment that differs from the outside. For example, the membrane around
peroxisomes shields the rest of the cell from
peroxides, and the
plasma membrane separates a cell from its surrounding medium. Most
organelles are defined by such membranes, and are called
membrane-bounded organelles.
Probably the most important feature of a biomembrane is that it's a
selectively-permeable structure. This means that the size,
charge, and other
chemical properties of the
atoms and molecules attempting to cross it'll determine whether they succeed to do so. Selective permeability is essential for effective separation of a cell or organelle from its surroundings. Biological membranes also have certain mechanical or
elastic properties.
If a particle is too large or otherwise unable to cross the membrane by itself, but is still needed by a cell, it could either go through one of the protein channels or be taken in by means of
endocytosis.
Types of biological membranes
Further Information
Get more info on 'Biological Membranes'.
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