Cell surface membrane (CSM) and microvilli

Cell surface membrane

Microvilli

It has been known for many years that cells and their nuclei are surrounded by membranes. With the use of the electron microscope, it was found that many organelles also had a membrane structure. Organelles allow for specialisation within a cell and greater efficiency. The structure of the cell surface membrane is the same as the membranes around organelles. Chemical analysis of cell membranes showed that they contained two types of molecules: Phospholipids: with water-hating (hydrophobic) tails and water loving (hydrophilic) heads. Proteins: also with some sections of the molecules that are hydrophilic and hydrophobic. These help in transportation across the membrane provide structural support and form enzymes. Movement across membranes can be by: Simple Diffusion Simple diffusion describes the spread of particles through random motion from regions of higher concentration to regions of lower concentration. Facilitated Diffusion - Facilitated diffusion is a process of passive transport, facilitated by integral proteins. Facilitated diffusion is the spontaneous passage of molecules or ions across a biological membrane passing through specific transmembrane integral proteins. Active Transport - Active transport requires energy to carry substances from low to high concentrations. Osmosis (movement of water) - Osmosis is the movement of water from an area of high water potential to an area of lower water potential through a partially permeable membrane. It is a passive process. Pure water has a water potential of 0 kPa. The addition of solutes to water gives it a more negative value. Endo and Exocytosis - Exocytosis is the transport of substances out of the cells, and endocytosis (e.g. Phagocytosis and pinocytosis) is the transport of substances into the cell. Endocytosis is a process by which cells absorb molecules (such as proteins) by engulfing them.

The cell membrane is selectively permeable to ions and organic molecules and controls the movement of substances in and out of cells. It consists of the lipid bilayer with embedded proteins.

Microvilli are microscopic cellular membrane protrusions that increase the surface area of cells, and are involved in a wide variety of functions, including absorption, secretion, cellular adhesion, and mechanotransduction (refers to the many mechanisms by which cells convert mechanical stimulus into chemical activity). Microvilli are formed as cell extensions from the plasma membrane surface. Actin filaments, present in the cytosol, are most abundant near the cell surface. These filaments are thought to determine the shape and movement of the plasma membrane.