Production of antibodies in the cell organelles
The cell membrane (or plasma membrane) surrounds all living cells. It has little strength but plays a vitally important role for controlling materials that pass in and out the cell. The membrane is a double layer of phospholipid molecules which are arranged tail to tail that are approximately 7-10 nm thick and hydrophobic (water fearing). Phospholipids are complex lipids containing a phosphate group which replaces one of the fatty acids. The molecule consists of a phosphate head with two fatty acids tails. The phosphate head is hydrophilic (attracts water) and the fatty acid tails are hydrophobic (water fearing)
The membrane is composed of phospholipids, proteins and carbohydrates arranged in a fluid mosaic structure bilayer model. The fluid mosaic theory is the model that best represents the structure of living cell membranes. . Membrane usually spans from 1 side of bilayer to the other Integral proteins. The cholesterol stabilizes the membrane whilst increasing the firmness but also maintaining the fluidity of the membrane. It controls movement of substances in and out of the cell and its main function is to protect the cell from its surroundings. It prevents animo acids, carbohydrates, proteins and Ions from diffusion across the membrane but allows passive diffusion of hydrophobic molecules. The functions of the membrane proteins provides structure to stabilize the membrane, and acts as carrier molecules transporting specific substances through its membrane. The carrier may be part of an active transport pump mechanism. Within the membrane proteins act as hydrophilic pores that allow passage of water soluble molecules. Proteins on the surface of the membrane can act as receptors by having a specific binding site where hormones or chemicals can fuse or bond together. Receptor molecules are called Glycoprotein's which act as antigens. The carbohydrates attached are called glycoproteins and the...