5.2- Factors Affecting Membrane Structure

Question 1

How does temperature affect membrane structure?

Answer 1

• An increase in temp=
• phospholipids have more kinetic energy and move more.
• membrane becomes more fluid and loses its structure.
• cell eventually breaks down completely.
• loss of structure= increases permeability so more particles cross.
• carrier/ channel proteins denature= membrane permeability is affected.

Question 2

How do solvents affect membrane structure?

Answer 2

• water is essential for the formation of the bilayer because phosphate heads interact with it to keep the bilayer in tact.
  -organic solvents dissolve membranes= disrupts cells. (alcohols used in antiseptic as they dissolve bacteria membranes and reduce infection).
• non-polar alcohol molecules enter the cell membrane and disrupt it:
  When the membrane is disrupted it becomes more fluid/permeable.
  This makes specific functions hard such as transmission of nerve impulses.