Plasma Membrane

Front

What are the main components of the plasma membrane?

Back

Proteins and phospholipids.

Front

How are the hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts oriented in the plasma membrane?

Back

Hydrophilic heads face the exterior and interior of the cell while hydrophobic tails make up the interior of the membrane.

Front

Why is the plasma membrane selectively permeable?

Back

The phospholipid bilayer is nonpolar which inhibits charged and polar substances from passing.

Front

What type of phospholipids do organisms in cooler environments have?

Back

Phospholipids with more unsaturated fatty acid chains.

Front

What types of materials can easily diffuse across the plasma membrane?

Back

Small and nonpolar materials.

Front

What is the structure of the plasma membrane?

Back

A phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins.

Front

What role do proteins play in the plasma membrane?

Back

Proteins assist in transport, signaling, and structural support.

Front

What is the fluid mosaic model?

Back

A model that describes the plasma membrane as a flexible layer made of lipid molecules with embedded proteins.

Front

What is the function of cholesterol in the plasma membrane?

Back

Cholesterol helps to stabilize the membrane's fluidity.

Front

What is the significance of the phospholipid bilayer?

Back

It creates a barrier that separates the interior of the cell from the external environment.