Cell Membrane Structure and Function

Front

What are peripheral proteins?

Back

Proteins located on the surface of the phospholipid bilayer that help cells communicate and provide additional support.

Front

What are glycoproteins?

Back

Proteins that have carbohydrate chains allowing cells to recognize each other and other substances.

Front

What does it mean for a cell membrane to be selectively permeable?

Back

It means the cell membrane regulates what substances can enter or leave the cell.

Front

Can small molecules like oxygen and carbon dioxide pass through the phospholipids?

Back

Yes, small molecules can pass directly through the phospholipids.

Front

What type of molecules cannot pass directly through the phospholipids?

Back

Large molecules like sugars cannot pass directly through the phospholipids.

Front

What are the hydrophobic parts of the cell membrane?

Back

The fatty acid chains of phospholipids are hydrophobic.

Front

What role does cholesterol play in the cell membrane?

Back

Cholesterol helps to stabilize the cell membrane and maintain its fluidity.

Front

What is the function of integral proteins?

Back

Integral proteins span the membrane and are involved in transporting substances across the membrane.

Front

What is the fluid mosaic model?

Back

It describes the cell membrane as a flexible layer made of lipid molecules with embedded proteins.

Front

What are phospholipids?

Back

Molecules that make up the cell membrane, consisting of a hydrophilic head and two hydrophobic tails.