Understanding the Cell Membrane

What is the primary function of the cell membrane?

• To provide energy to the cell

• To control what enters and exits the cell

• To produce proteins

• To store genetic information

What does 'selectively permeable' mean in the context of the cell membrane?

• It decides which substances can pass through

• It only allows water to pass through

• It allows all substances to pass through

• It blocks all substances from passing through

What are the two main components of a phospholipid?

• Nucleic acid and sugar

• Water and salt

• Phosphate and lipid

• Protein and carbohydrate

How do hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails arrange themselves in the cell membrane?

• Both heads and tails face inward

• Both heads and tails face outward

• Tails face inward, heads face outward

• Heads face inward, tails face outward

What role do channel proteins play in the cell membrane?

• They allow specific molecules to pass through

• They store genetic information

• They create new cells

• They produce energy for the cell

What is a concentration gradient?

• A difference in light intensity across a membrane

• A difference in pressure across a membrane

• A difference in concentration of substances across a membrane

• A difference in temperature across a membrane

How do electrostatics influence the function of channel proteins?

• They provide energy for the channel

• They change the shape of the channel

• They control the opening and closing of the channel

• They determine the size of the channel

What is the function of glycoproteins in the cell membrane?

• To act as receptors and provide structural support

• To store energy

• To produce proteins

• To transport water

What is the difference between hydrophilic and hydrophobic?

• Both mean water-attracting

• Hydrophilic means water-attracting, hydrophobic means water-repelling

• Hydrophilic means water-repelling, hydrophobic means water-attracting

• Both mean water-repelling

What is the significance of diffusion in the context of the cell membrane?

• It provides energy to the cell

• It helps in the production of proteins

• It stores genetic information

• It allows for the passive movement of substances across the membrane