CELLS alive LOGO

Cell Biology

Microbiology

Immunology

Microscopy

Cell Models
Mitosis
Meiosis
Cell Cycle

Cell Cams

HowBig?

Puzzles

Quizzes

Stock Video

the CDROM

Downloads

Cell Gallery

Crystal Gallery

Translate

Homework


Search cellsalive
Custom Search

 

 


Membrane and Cytosol

Cell Membrane: Every cell is enclosed in a membrane. The membrane is a double layer of lipids (lipid bilayer) but is made quite complex by the presence of numerous proteins that are important to cell activity. These proteins include receptors, pores, and enzymes. The membrane is responsible for the controlled entry and exit of ions like sodium (Na) potassium (K), calcium (Ca++). See the description of ion channels.

Cytosol: The cytosol is the "soup" within which all the other cell organelles reside and where most of the cellular metabolism occurs. Though mostly water, the cytosol is full of proteins that control cell metabolism including signal transduction pathways, glycolysis, intracellular receptors, and transcription factors. Cytoplasm is a collective term for the cytosol plus the organelles suspended within the cytosol.

 

 

Return to
Animal Cell Archive
Plant Cell Archive

 

 

 

Search the Web
Custom Search
Home  |  About Us  |  Awards  |  Privacy Policy  |  Permissions  |  Contact  |  ©2006 Quill Graphics