Plasma Membrane

Front

What is the primary function of the plasma membrane?

Back

The plasma membrane regulates what enters and exits the cell, maintaining homeostasis.

Front

What are phospholipids?

Back

Phospholipids are molecules that make up the cell membrane, consisting of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) tails.

Front

What does 'selectively permeable' mean?

Back

Selectively permeable means that the membrane allows certain substances to pass while blocking others.

Front

What role do membrane-spanning proteins play in the plasma membrane?

Back

Membrane-spanning proteins assist in transporting specific particles across the membrane.

Front

What is a channel protein?

Back

A channel protein is an embedded protein in the cell membrane that provides a hydrophilic passageway for small, polar ions.

Front

What is a carrier protein?

Back

A carrier protein is a type of protein that carries substances from one side of a biological membrane to the other.

Front

What is the significance of cholesterol in the plasma membrane?

Back

Cholesterol helps to stabilize the structure of the plasma membrane and maintain its fluidity.

Front

What are surface proteins?

Back

Surface proteins are proteins located on the outer surface of the plasma membrane that can serve as receptors or markers for cell recognition.

Front

What is the fluid mosaic model?

Back

The fluid mosaic model describes the structure of the plasma membrane as a mosaic of various proteins that float in or on the fluid lipid bilayer.

Front

What is the role of carbohydrates in the plasma membrane?

Back

Carbohydrates on the plasma membrane play a key role in cell recognition and signaling.