Cell Membrane Structure

Front

What is the primary function of the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane controls what enters and exits the cell.

Front

What does the fluid mosaic model describe?

Back

The fluid mosaic model describes the 4 parts of the cell membrane that can move around.

Front

What is a phospholipid?

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 is the hydrophobic portion of a phospholipid?

Back

The hydrophobic portion of a phospholipid is the fatty acids.

Front

What is the hydrophilic portion of a phospholipid?

Back

The hydrophilic portion of a phospholipid is the phosphate group.

Front

What role do carbohydrates play in the cell membrane?

Back

Carbohydrates help in cell recognition and communication.

Front

What is the structure of the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane is composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates.

Front

What is the significance of cholesterol in the cell membrane?

Back

Cholesterol helps to stabilize the cell membrane's fluidity.

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 are peripheral proteins?

Back

Peripheral proteins are proteins that are attached to the exterior or interior surfaces of the membrane and are not embedded.