Membrane Structure Flashcards
1
Q
what are the main functions of cell membranes?
A
1) barrier: regulates transportation - nutrients in, waste out
2) interface between a cell and its environment
3) attachment point for intracellular cytoskeleton, extracellular wall if present
2
Q
what are the different categories of lipids that make up the lipid bilayer
A
- phospolipids
- sphingolipids
- glycolipids
- cholesterol
3
Q
describe the structure of phospholipids
A
- all of the structures of phospholipids aim to protect the hydrophobic tails from contact with the water molecules
micelles: hydrophobic tails placed inwards, hydrophobic heads outwards
bilayers:
