Cell Biology Preceptor Interview sample

Front

What is the model organism commonly used to study programmed cell death?

Back

Caenorhabditis elegans.

Front

How does cholesterol affect membrane fluidity?

Back

Cholesterol acts as a buffer to maintain appropriate fluidity under varying temperatures.

Front

What effect do double bonds in fatty acid tails have on membrane fluidity?

Back

Double bonds introduce kinks that prevent tight packing, increasing fluidity.

Front

What is the role of tight junction proteins in cell biology?

Back

Tight junction proteins prevent substances from slipping between cells.

Front

What does the asymmetry of the phospholipid bilayer refer to?

Back

The difference in lipid and protein composition between the two layers of the bilayer.

Front

What is the primary function of the cell membrane?

Back

To protect the cell and regulate the movement of substances in and out.

Front

What are phospholipids, and why are they important in cell membranes?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of membrane fluidity in cellular functions?

Back

Membrane fluidity is crucial for the movement of proteins and lipids within the membrane, affecting cell signaling and transport.

Front

How do saturated fatty acids differ from unsaturated fatty acids in terms of membrane structure?

Back

Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds and are straight, leading to tighter packing, while unsaturated fatty acids have double bonds that create kinks, increasing fluidity.

Front

What is the function of membrane proteins?

Back

Membrane proteins facilitate communication, transport, and structural support within the cell membrane.