membranes 3

Front

What is the role of membrane fluidity in plant adaptation to temperature?

Back

Membrane fluidity is crucial for maintaining the functionality of membrane proteins and the overall integrity of the cell. In cold environments, membranes can become less fluid, impairing cellular processes and potentially leading to cell death.

Front

Where are the hydrophilic regions of membrane proteins typically located?

Back

The hydrophilic regions of membrane proteins are typically exposed on the surface of the membrane, allowing them to interact with the aqueous environment.

Front

What happens to membrane proteins when a mouse cell and a human cell are fused?

Back

The membrane proteins of the two cells become uniformly distributed over the surface of the hybrid cell due to the mobility of proteins within the lipid bilayer.

Front

What effect do aquaporins have on epithelial cell membranes?

Back

Aquaporins increase the permeability of the membranes to water, facilitating faster water transport across the cell membrane.

Front

What does a concentration gradient of glucose across a membrane indicate?

Back

A concentration gradient of glucose indicates that glucose molecules are more crowded on one side of the membrane than on the other, leading to potential movement from high to low concentration.

Front

Define membrane potential.

Back

Membrane potential is the difference in electric charge across a cell membrane, which is crucial for the function of neurons and muscle cells.

Front

What is the function of cholesterol in cell membranes?

Back

Cholesterol helps to stabilize membrane fluidity, making membranes less permeable to very small water-soluble molecules that might otherwise pass freely through.

Front

Explain the concept of selective permeability in cell membranes.

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of the phospholipid bilayer in membranes?

Back

The phospholipid bilayer forms the fundamental structure of cell membranes, providing a barrier that separates the internal environment of the cell from the external environment.

Front

How do integral proteins differ from peripheral proteins in membranes?

Back

Integral proteins span the membrane and are embedded within the lipid bilayer, while peripheral proteins are attached to the exterior or interior surfaces of the membrane.