Cell Membranes

Front

What is the hydrophilic portion of the cell membrane?

Back

The hydrophilic portion of the cell membrane refers to the 'head' of phospholipids that is attracted to water, allowing the membrane to interact with the aqueous environment.

Front

How many layers thick is the lipid bilayer?

Back

The lipid bilayer is 2 layers thick, consisting of two rows of phospholipids.

Front

Which macromolecule is NOT part of the cell membrane?

Back

Nucleic Acids are not part of the cell membrane; the membrane primarily consists of lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins.

Front

What role do carbohydrates play in the cell membrane?

Back

Carbohydrates act as ID tags that allow cells to recognize each other.

Front

What is the function of cholesterol in the cell membrane?

Back

Cholesterol strengthens and stabilizes the cell membrane, maintaining its fluidity.

Front

What are phospholipids?

Back

Phospholipids are molecules that make up the cell membrane, consisting of a hydrophilic 'head' and two hydrophobic 'tails'.

Front

Define selective permeability in the context of cell membranes.

Back

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

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 floating in or on the fluid lipid bilayer.

Front

What is the role of membrane proteins?

Back

Membrane proteins facilitate communication, transport, and structural support within the cell membrane.

Front

What are integral proteins?

Back

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