The basolateral membrane of a polarized cell is the part of the plasma membrane that forms its basal and lateral surfaces, distinct from the apical (or lumenal) surface. The cell membrane (also called the plasma membrane, plasmalemma, or "phospholipid bilayer" is a Selectively permeable Lipid bilayer This is particularly evident in epithelial cells, but also describes other polarized cells, such as neurons. In biology and medicine epithelium is a tissue composed of cells that line the cavities and surfaces of structures throughout the body Neurons (ˈnjuːɹɒn also known as neurones and nerve cells) are responsive cells in the Nervous system that process and transmit information
"Basolateral membrane" is a compound phrase referring to the terms basal (base) membrane and lateral (side) membrane, which, especially in epithelial cells, are essentially functionally identical in composition and activity. Proteins (such as ion channels and pumps) are free to move from the basal to the lateral surface of the cell or vice versa in accordance with the fluid mosaic model. Ion channels are pore-forming Proteins that help establish and control the small Voltage Gradient across the Plasma membrane of all living "Ion pump" redirects here For pumps that reduce pressure see Ion pump (physics. The cell membrane (also called the plasma membrane, plasmalemma, or "phospholipid bilayer" is a Selectively permeable Lipid bilayer
Tight junctions that join epithelial cells near their apical surface prevent the migration of proteins to the apical membrane. Tight junctions, or zonula occludens, are the closely associated areas of two cells whose membranes join together forming a virtual impermeable barrier The basal and lateral surfaces thus remain roughly equivalent to one another, yet distinct from the apical surface.
See also
- Apical membrane (cell biology)
- Basement membrane
External links
The basement membrane is a structure that supports overlying Epithelial or Endothelial cells. Dorland's is the brand name of a family of medical reference works (including dictionaries, spellers word books and spell-check software) in various media (includingDapyx Software network: MP3 Explorer | Ebook Manager | Zenithic