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The Lipid Bilayer definitions

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  • Lipid Bilayer
    Flexible, self-sealing double-layered structure forming the cell's boundary, enabling selective permeability and compartmentalization.
  • Phospholipid
    Amphipathic molecule with hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tail, forming the foundational matrix of cellular membranes.
  • Sphingolipid
    Specialized membrane component containing a sphingosine backbone, contributing to membrane stability and cellular protection.
  • Glycolipid
    Membrane lipid linked to a carbohydrate group, crucial for cell recognition and identity, such as blood type markers.
  • Sterol
    Rigid, ring-structured lipid, like cholesterol, modulating membrane fluidity and mechanical stability.
  • Cholesterol
    Short, rigid sterol inserted in animal membranes, balancing fluidity and rigidity in response to temperature changes.
  • Amphipathic Molecule
    Chemical species possessing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions, essential for membrane formation.
  • Fluid Mosaic Model
    Concept describing the dynamic, ever-moving arrangement of lipids and proteins within the membrane.
  • Lateral Diffusion
    Movement of individual lipids within the same layer of the membrane, allowing rapid rearrangement.
  • Rotational Diffusion
    Spinning of a lipid molecule around its axis within the membrane, contributing to membrane fluidity.
  • Transverse Diffusion
    Rare flip-flop movement of a lipid from one leaflet of the bilayer to the opposite side.
  • Asymmetry
    Unequal distribution of lipids and proteins between the two leaflets of the membrane, maintained by specific enzymes.
  • Flipase
    Enzyme selectively transferring specific lipids to the opposite leaflet, establishing membrane asymmetry.
  • Scramblase
    Non-specific enzyme facilitating random movement of lipids between bilayer leaflets during membrane assembly.
  • Lipid Raft
    Microdomain within the membrane enriched in specific lipids and proteins, serving specialized cellular functions.
  • Lipid Droplet
    Intracellular storage vesicle containing excess lipids, analogous to fat storage in adipose tissue.