Cell Membrane Structure

Front

What is the structure of a peripheral protein in the cell membrane?

Back

Peripheral proteins are proteins that are attached to the exterior or interior surfaces of the cell membrane, but do not penetrate the lipid bilayer.

Front

What is the hydrophobic region of the cell membrane?

Back

The hydrophobic region of the cell membrane is the part that repels water, typically consisting of the fatty acid tails of phospholipids.

Front

Which macromolecule is NOT part of the cell membrane?

Back

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

Front

What role does cholesterol play in the cell membrane?

Back

Cholesterol strengthens and stabilizes the cell membrane, making it less permeable to very small water-soluble molecules that might otherwise pass freely through.

Front

What are the two parts of a phospholipid?

Back

The two parts of a phospholipid are the hydrophilic head and the hydrophobic tail.

Front

Define the term 'lipid bilayer'.

Back

The lipid 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 function of glycoproteins in the cell membrane?

Back

Glycoproteins serve as recognition sites for cell signaling and communication, as they have carbohydrate chains attached that can interact with other cells.

Front

What is the significance of the fluid mosaic model?

Back

The fluid mosaic model describes the cell membrane as a dynamic and flexible structure with various proteins floating in or on the fluid lipid bilayer.

Front

What are integral proteins?

Back

Integral proteins are proteins that span the entire membrane and are involved in transporting substances across the membrane.

Front

How do carbohydrates function in the cell membrane?

Back

Carbohydrates attached to proteins and lipids on the extracellular surface of the membrane play key roles in cell recognition and signaling.