Structure and Composition of Cell Membrane
Despite differences in structure and function, all living cells in multicellular organisms are surrounded by a cell membrane. Just like the outer layer of the skin separates the body from its environment similarly, the cell membrane, also known as 'plasma membrane,' separates the inner content from its exterior environment.
Cell Membrane
The cell membrane is known by different names like plasma membrane or cytoplasmic membrane, or biological membrane. The term "cell membrane" was first introduced by C. Nageli and C. Cramer in the year 1855. Later on, in 1931, the term "plasmalemma" for cell membrane was given by J. Plowe. The cell membrane separates the cell's internal environment from the extracellular space. This separation allows the protection of cells from their environment.
Prokaryotes vs Eukaryotes
The cell is defined as the basic structural and functional unit of life. The cell membrane bounds it. It is capable of independent existence.
What are the events that take place in the Mitochondria and how do they allow for ATP production?
Mitochondria is a large structure that can occupy a significant amount of the volume of a cell. It is a double membrane-bound organelle found in nearly all eukaryotic cells which plays a critical role in the converting energy through metabolism. Th structure of mitochondrion is divided into two distinct regions namely - an outer and inner membrane. The outer membrane of the mitochondria is largely permeable and allows many molecules to freely diffuse across it while the inner membrane is highly impermeable allowing only water, carbon dioxide, and oxygen. The inner membrane also contains specific proteins that can act as transporters of specific molecules thereby creating an imbalance. The inner membrane has a space which is filled with a fluid known as matrix.
The enzymes that help catalyze oxidative phosphorylation are found in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Therefore, the events of the citric acid cycle, electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation takes place in the mitochondria.
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