Plasma Membrane Structure and Function Flashcard

Front

What is the primary function of the plasma membrane?

Back

It separates the cell from its surroundings and is selectively permeable.

Front

What does it mean when a plasma membrane is described as "selectively permeable"?

Back

It allows some substances to cross more easily than others.

Front

Components primarily found in plasma membranes?

Back

Amphipathic lipids, proteins, and some carbohydrates

Front

Amphipathic (in the context of membrane lipids)

Back

Having both hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions

Front

Analogy for protein movement in the fluid mosaic model: Cars on a highway, Icebergs floating in the sea, Birds flying in the sky, Trees rooted in the ground.

Back

Icebergs floating in the sea

Front

How does an increase in temperature affect the fluidity of membranes?

Back

It makes the membrane more fluid.

Front

How do unsaturated fatty acid tails affect membrane fluidity?

Back

They make the membrane more fluid

Front

What happens to membrane fluidity when there is an increase in cholesterol within membranes?

Back

It becomes less fluid

Front

Which type of membrane protein penetrates the hydrophobic interior of the lipid bilayer?

Back

Integral proteins

Front

What is a characteristic of transmembrane proteins?

Back

They have both hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions