Cell Membrane

Front

What is the primary function of the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane regulates what enters and exits the cell, providing protection and support.

Front

Define selective permeability in the context of cell membranes.

Back

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

Front

What are phospholipids and their role in the cell membrane?

Back

Phospholipids are molecules that make up the cell membrane, consisting of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) tails.

Front

What is the hydrophobic region of the cell membrane?

Back

The hydrophobic region refers to the part of the membrane that repels water, primarily made up of the fatty acid tails of phospholipids.

Front

What is the role of proteins 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 cell membrane's fluidity, making it less permeable to very small water-soluble molecules.

Front

What is the difference between passive and active transport?

Back

Passive transport does not require energy to move substances across the membrane, while active transport requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is the diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

Front

What are the main types of transport proteins?

Back

The main types of transport proteins are channel proteins, which provide passageways for specific molecules, and carrier proteins, which change shape to transport substances.

Front

What is the function of glycoproteins in the cell membrane?

Back

Glycoproteins are involved in cell recognition and communication, acting as markers for cell identification.