Plasma Membrane

Front

What is the hydrophilic part of a phospholipid?

Back

The head of a phospholipid, which is attracted to water.

Front

What does selectively permeable mean in the context of plasma membranes?

Back

It means the membrane regulates the passage of materials in and out of the cell.

Front

How do phospholipids arrange themselves in an aqueous solution?

Back

They arrange with the heads facing the water and the tails hidden.

Front

What is the term for the water-loving portion of the plasma membrane?

Back

Hydrophilic.

Front

What type of cell is characterized by the absence of a nucleus?

Back

Prokaryote.

Front

What is the hydrophobic part of a phospholipid?

Back

The tails of the phospholipid, which repel water.

Front

What role does cholesterol play in the plasma membrane?

Back

Cholesterol helps to stabilize the membrane's fluidity.

Front

What is the primary function of the plasma membrane?

Back

To protect the cell and regulate what enters and exits.

Front

What is the fluid mosaic model?

Back

A model that describes the structure of the plasma membrane as a mosaic of various components that move freely.

Front

What are integral proteins?

Back

Proteins that are embedded in the plasma membrane and can span across it.