Cell Membrane

Front

What is the primary function of the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane controls what enters and exits the cell.

Front

What is a phospholipid?

Back

A phospholipid is a molecule that makes up the cell membrane, consisting of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) tails.

Front

What role does cholesterol play in the cell membrane?

Back

Cholesterol stabilizes the fluidity of the cell membrane.

Front

What is the structure of the phospholipid bilayer?

Back

The phospholipid bilayer consists of two layers of phospholipids with hydrophilic heads facing outward and hydrophobic tails facing inward.

Front

What are carrier or transport proteins?

Back

Carrier or transport proteins are proteins embedded in the cell membrane that help transport substances across the membrane.

Front

What is the significance of carbohydrates in the cell membrane?

Back

Carbohydrates on the cell membrane help identify the cell and facilitate cell-to-cell communication.

Front

How do small, non-polar molecules pass through the cell membrane?

Back

Small, non-polar molecules can pass through the cell membrane easily due to their compatibility with the hydrophobic lipid bilayer.

Front

What is selective permeability?

Back

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

Front

What is the fluid mosaic model?

Back

The fluid mosaic model describes the cell membrane as a flexible layer made of lipid molecules with embedded proteins that move laterally.

Front

What is the difference between passive and active transport?

Back

Passive transport does not require energy to move substances across the membrane, while active transport requires energy.