Cell Organelles: Membrane and Cytosol

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

Translate this Page:

Have a Question?:

Home | About Us | Awards | Privacy Policy | Permissions | Contact | ©1994 to 2012, Quill Graphics