Cell Membrane

Front

What is the primary function of the plasma membrane?

Back

To regulate what enters and leaves the cell.

Front

What is the hydrophilic portion of the cell membrane?

Back

The part of the membrane that is attracted to water, typically the phosphate heads of phospholipids.

Front

What role does cholesterol play in the plasma membrane?

Back

Cholesterol prevents the fatty acid tails of phospholipids from sticking together, maintaining membrane fluidity.

Front

What are the components of the cell membrane?

Back

Phospholipids, proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrate chains.

Front

What is the structure of a phospholipid?

Back

A phospholipid consists of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) fatty acid tails.

Front

How do proteins function in the cell membrane?

Back

Proteins serve various functions including transport, acting as channels or carriers, and facilitating communication between cells.

Front

What is cell recognition and which part of the membrane is responsible for it?

Back

Cell recognition is the ability of a cell to identify other cells, primarily facilitated by carbohydrate chains on the extracellular surface of the membrane.

Front

What is the significance of the fluid mosaic model?

Back

The fluid mosaic model describes the cell membrane as a flexible layer made of lipid molecules with proteins embedded, allowing for movement and interaction.

Front

What is selective permeability?

Back

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

Front

What are glycoproteins and their function?

Back

Glycoproteins are proteins with carbohydrate chains attached, playing a key role in cell recognition and signaling.