Cell Membrane Structure

Front

What does it mean for a membrane to be semi-permeable?

Back

A semi-permeable membrane allows certain substances to pass through while blocking others.

Front

What are the two main components of a phospholipid?

Back

A phospholipid consists of a hydrophobic tail and a hydrophilic head.

Front

What is the primary molecule that makes up the cell membrane?

Back

The primary molecule that makes up the cell membrane is phospholipid.

Front

How many layers thick is the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane is 2 layers thick.

Front

What does hydrophobic mean?

Back

Hydrophobic means water-fearing.

Front

What is the role of cholesterol in the cell membrane?

Back

Cholesterol helps to stabilize the membrane's fluidity and structure.

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 proteins embedded in it.

Front

What is the function of membrane proteins?

Back

Membrane proteins assist in transport, act as enzymes, and serve as receptors.

Front

What is the difference between passive and active transport?

Back

Passive transport does not require energy, while active transport requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is the diffusion of water across a semi-permeable membrane.