Cell Membrane Structure and Function

Front

What is the structure of a phospholipid?

Back

A phospholipid consists of a hydrophilic phosphate 'head' and two hydrophobic lipid 'tails'.

Front

What part of a phospholipid is hydrophilic?

Back

The phosphate 'head' is hydrophilic.

Front

What part of a phospholipid is hydrophobic?

Back

The lipid 'tails' are hydrophobic.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

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

Front

What role does cholesterol play in the cell membrane?

Back

Cholesterol helps maintain fluidity in the cell membrane and acts like antifreeze, preventing the membrane from becoming too rigid.

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

Passive transport is the movement of substances across a cell membrane without the use of energy, typically from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Front

What is the difference between passive transport and active transport?

Back

Passive transport does not require energy and moves substances down their concentration gradient, while active transport requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient.

Front

What is a selectively permeable membrane?

Back

A selectively permeable membrane allows certain molecules to pass through while blocking others, maintaining the internal environment of the cell.

Front

What is the fluid mosaic model?

Back

The fluid mosaic model describes the structure of the cell membrane as a mosaic of various proteins that float in or on the fluid lipid bilayer.

Front

How does temperature affect membrane fluidity?

Back

Higher temperatures increase membrane fluidity, while lower temperatures decrease it, potentially leading to a more rigid membrane.