Cell Membrane Structure

Front

What type of molecule has the most difficult time passing through the membrane?

Back

Large & hydrophilic molecules have the most difficulty passing through the cell membrane due to their size and polarity.

Front

True or False: Large molecules, such as glucose, can easily pass through the cell membrane without any help.

Back

False: Large molecules like glucose need a protein channel to pass through the cell membrane.

Front

What are phospholipid heads?

Back

Phospholipid heads are hydrophilic, meaning they are attracted to water.

Front

Which molecules are embedded in the phospholipid bilayer and help substances pass through?

Back

Proteins are embedded in the phospholipid bilayer and facilitate the transport of substances across the membrane.

Front

What part of the plasma membrane is responsible for cell recognition?

Back

The carbohydrates attached to proteins and lipids in the plasma membrane are responsible for cell recognition.

Front

Define the term 'phospholipid bilayer'.

Back

The phospholipid bilayer is a double layer of phospholipids that makes up the cell membrane, with hydrophilic heads facing outward and hydrophobic tails facing inward.

Front

What is the role of cholesterol in the cell membrane?

Back

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

Front

Explain the concept of selective permeability in cell membranes.

Back

Selective permeability refers to the ability of the cell membrane to allow certain substances to pass while restricting others, maintaining homeostasis.

Front

What is the function of membrane proteins?

Back

Membrane proteins assist in transporting substances across the membrane, acting as channels or carriers.

Front

What does 'hydrophobic' mean in the context of cell membranes?

Back

Hydrophobic refers to molecules that do not interact well with water, such as the fatty acid tails of phospholipids.