Front

What is the primary function of the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane regulates what enters and exits the cell, providing protection and support.

Front

What are phospholipids and their role in the cell membrane?

Back

Phospholipids are molecules that form the bilayer of cell membranes, with hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.

Front

Define hydrophilic and hydrophobic in the context of cell membranes.

Back

Hydrophilic refers to substances that are attracted to water, while hydrophobic refers to substances that repel water.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Front

How do red blood cells behave in a hypertonic solution?

Back

In a hypertonic solution, red blood cells lose water and shrink.

Front

What happens to red blood cells in a hypotonic solution?

Back

In a hypotonic solution, red blood cells gain water and may burst (lyse).

Front

What is the significance of the phosphate group in phospholipids?

Back

The phosphate group is hydrophilic, allowing phospholipids to form a bilayer in aqueous environments.

Front

Explain the term 'selectively permeable membrane.'

Back

A selectively permeable membrane allows certain molecules to pass through while blocking others.

Front

What is the role of cholesterol in the cell membrane?

Back

Cholesterol helps to stabilize the cell membrane's fluidity and structure.

Front

Describe the fluid mosaic model of the cell membrane.

Back

The fluid mosaic model describes the cell membrane as a flexible layer of lipid molecules with embedded proteins that can move laterally.