Cell Membranes

Front

What is the hydrophilic portion of the cell membrane?

Back

The hydrophilic portion of the cell membrane refers to the part that is attracted to water, typically the phosphate heads of phospholipids.

Front

What does 'water fearing' mean in relation to cell membranes?

Back

'Water fearing' refers to hydrophobic substances that do not interact well with water, such as the fatty acid tails of phospholipids.

Front

What role do carbohydrates play in cell membranes?

Back

Carbohydrates allow cells to recognize each other and act like ID tags, facilitating cell communication.

Front

True or False: Regulating what enters and leaves the cell helps maintain homeostasis.

Back

True. This regulation is crucial for maintaining a stable internal environment.

Front

What forms a boundary between the inside of the cell and the outside of the cell?

Back

The cell membrane forms this boundary.

Front

Define the term 'phospholipid'.

Back

A phospholipid is a molecule that makes up the cell membrane, consisting of a hydrophilic head and two hydrophobic tails.

Front

What is the function of cholesterol in the cell membrane?

Back

Cholesterol helps to stabilize the cell membrane's fluidity and structure.

Front

What is the fluid mosaic model?

Back

The fluid mosaic model describes the structure of the cell membrane as a mosaic of various components (lipids, proteins, carbohydrates) that move fluidly.

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

What is selective permeability?

Back

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