Cell membrane

Question 1

What is the function of the cell membrane

Answer 1

Allows the cell to alter its shape and regulated the movement of materials into and out of the cell

Question 2

What must living things be able to do

Answer 2

Control its environment

Question 3

What are the 4 primary components

Answer 3

• phospholipids
• proteins
• cholesterol
• carbohydrates

Question 4

Explains the role of phospholipids

Answer 4

The primary structure of the cell membrane is a phospholipid bilayer

Question 5

Explain proteins

Answer 5

• numerous protein molecules that serve many functions (membrane transport, hormone receptors, attaching the membrane to the cytoskeleton)
• peripheral proteins are found on the surface
• trans membrane (integral proteins) pass through

Question 6

Explain the cholesterol

Answer 6

• Has polar and non polar components
• keeps the membrane fluid like and provides stability
• part of the steroid ring is closely attached to part of the fatty acid chain on the nearest phospholipid
• immobilizes the outer surface of the membrane
• makes the membrane less soluble to very small water soluble molecules that could pass through more easily

Question 7

What if there is no cholesterol in the membrane

Answer 7

the membrane would be too fluid, not firm enough and too permeable to some molecules at high temp

Question 8

Cholesterol in simpler terms

Answer 8

prevents the extreme in the consistency of the cell

Question 9

At low temp, what dose cholesterol do

Answer 9

helps separate the phospholipids so that the fatty acid chains cant come together and crystallize

Question 10

Explain the carbs

Answer 10

• oligosaccharides link to lipid and protein components on the exterior of the cell membrane
• plays a role in cell recognition and cell-cell interactions

Question 11

What is the fluid mosaic model?

Answer 11

• used to describe the cell membrane
• fluid: able to flow and alter shape freely
• mosaic: made up of many different parts