Cell Membranes

Front

What is a phospholipid?

Back

A phospholipid is a molecule composed of a phosphate and glycerol head and two fatty acid chain tails, which forms the basic structure of cell membranes.

Front

What does it mean for a membrane to be selectively permeable?

Back

A selectively permeable membrane allows some molecules to cross while restricting others, maintaining the internal environment of the cell.

Front

How many layers make up the lipid bilayer?

Back

The lipid bilayer is two layers thick.

Front

What is the function of the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane forms a boundary between the inside of the cell and the outside environment, regulating what enters and exits the cell.

Front

What is the fluid mosaic model?

Back

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

Front

What role do proteins play in the cell membrane?

Back

Proteins in the cell membrane assist in transport, act as receptors, and provide structural support.

Front

What is the significance 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 that might otherwise pass freely through.

Front

What are integral proteins?

Back

Integral proteins are proteins that are embedded within the lipid bilayer and can span across the membrane, playing key roles in transport and communication.

Front

What are peripheral proteins?

Back

Peripheral proteins are proteins that are attached to the exterior or interior surfaces of the membrane and are not embedded within the lipid bilayer.

Front

What is the role of glycoproteins in the cell membrane?

Back

Glycoproteins are proteins with carbohydrate chains attached that play a key role in cell recognition and signaling.