Cell Membrane

Front

What is a phospholipid?

Back

A phospholipid is a molecule composed of a phosphate and glycerol head and two fatty acid chain tails, forming the basic structure of cell membranes.

Front

What does 'Hydrophilic' mean?

Back

'Hydrophilic' refers to substances that are 'water-loving' and can interact with water, often forming hydrogen bonds.

Front

What is a ligand?

Back

A ligand is a specific molecule that binds with a receptor to trigger a response or action in a cell.

Front

What are the two functions of proteins in the cell membrane?

Back

1) Proteins act as gatekeepers, allowing only certain substances to enter or exit the cell. 2) They serve as enzyme receptors embedded in the membrane.

Front

What forms the two layers of the cell membrane?

Back

Phospholipids form the two layers of the cell membrane, creating a bilayer structure.

Front

What is the role of cholesterol in the cell membrane?

Back

Cholesterol helps to stabilize the cell membrane's fluidity and structure, making it less permeable to very small water-soluble molecules.

Front

Define 'Hydrophobic'.

Back

'Hydrophobic' refers to substances that repel water and do not mix with it, often found in the fatty acid tails of phospholipids.

Front

What is the function of carbohydrates in the cell membrane?

Back

Carbohydrates serve as recognition sites on the cell membrane, helping cells to communicate and identify each other.

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 floating in or on the fluid lipid bilayer.

Front

What is selective permeability?

Back

Selective permeability is the property of the cell membrane that allows certain substances to pass through while blocking others.