Cell Membrane Structure

Front

What does it mean for a membrane to be semi-permeable?

Back

A semi-permeable membrane allows certain substances to pass through while blocking others.

Front

How many layers thick is the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane is 2 layers thick.

Front

True or False: All cells are surrounded by cell membranes.

Back

True

Front

Where do peripheral proteins sit in relation to the cell membrane?

Back

Peripheral proteins sit atop or outside of the cell membrane.

Front

What type of proteins are wedged into the cell membrane?

Back

Integral proteins are wedged into the cell membrane.

Front

What is the primary function of the cell membrane?

Back

The primary function of the cell membrane is to protect the cell and regulate what enters and exits.

Front

What are the two main components of the cell membrane?

Back

The two main components of the cell membrane are phospholipids and proteins.

Front

Define phospholipid in the context of cell membranes.

Back

A phospholipid is a molecule that makes up the cell membrane, consisting of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) tails.

Front

What role do cholesterol molecules play in the cell membrane?

Back

Cholesterol molecules help to stabilize the cell membrane's fluidity.

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 that float in or on the fluid lipid bilayer.