Biology Cell Membrane Structure and Function

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Questions and Answers

What does a phospholipid consist of?

  • A protein and a carbohydrate
  • A single fatty acid tail
  • A double layer of carbohydrates
  • A phosphate group head and two fatty acid chain tails (correct)

What is a hydrophilic head?

The water soluble and charged head of a phospholipid.

What is a hydrophobic tail?

The not water soluble and non charged tail of a phospholipid.

What is the function of a channel protein?

<p>Allows the transport of specific substances across a cell membrane.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines an integral protein?

<p>A protein that spans the entire width of the lipid bilayer and protrudes at both sides.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an aquaporin?

<p>Proteins that serve as channels for the transfer of water and small solutes across the membrane.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a peripheral protein?

<p>A protein that is not embedded in the lipid bilayer but sits on the outside.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are carbohydrate chains?

<p>Structures that attach to glycoproteins.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a glycoprotein?

<p>A protein with an attached carbohydrate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an alpha helix protein?

<p>A protein that extends through the membrane and acts as a channel for nutrients entering the cytoplasm.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of cholesterol molecules in the bilayer?

<p>Helps maintain the fluid condition of the bilayer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Phospholipid

A molecule that forms the structural basis of cell membranes, consisting of a hydrophilic phosphate group head and two hydrophobic fatty acid tails.

Hydrophilic head

The water-soluble and charged end of a phospholipid molecule.

Hydrophobic tail

The non-water-soluble and non-charged end of a phospholipid molecule, made of fatty acid chains.

Channel protein

Proteins embedded within the cell membrane that create channels for specific substances to pass through.

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Integral protein

Proteins that span the entire width of the cell membrane, protruding on both sides.

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Aquaporin

Specialized proteins that form channels for water and small solutes to cross the cell membrane.

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Peripheral protein

Proteins that are attached to the surface of the cell membrane, not embedded within it.

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Carbohydrate chains

Sugar chains attached to glycoproteins, important for cell recognition and communication.

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Glycoprotein

A protein molecule with a carbohydrate attached, important for various cellular functions.

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Alpha helix protein

A type of protein that extends through the cell membrane, acting as a channel for nutrients to enter the cytoplasm.

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Cholesterol molecules

Lipid molecules that help maintain the fluidity and stability of the cell membrane.

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Study Notes

Phospholipid Structure

  • Phospholipid consists of a circular phosphate group head and two long fatty acid chain tails.
  • The hydrophilic head is water-soluble and carries a charge, while the hydrophobic tail is non-water-soluble and uncharged.

Protein Types in the Membrane

  • Channel proteins facilitate the transport of specific substances across the cell membrane.
  • Integral proteins span the entire width of the lipid bilayer, protruding on both sides, contributing to membrane structure and function.
  • Aquaporins act as channels specifically for water and some small solutes, enhancing water transport.
  • Peripheral proteins are located on the exterior of the membrane and are bound to integral proteins, aiding in cell signaling and structure.

Glycoproteins and Carbohydrate Chains

  • Glycoproteins consist of a protein with an attached carbohydrate, playing crucial roles in cell recognition and signaling.
  • Carbohydrate chains are attached to glycoproteins, contributing to the formation of a protective layer on the cell surface.

Specialized Protein Structures

  • Alpha helix proteins extend through the membrane, functioning as channels for nutrients entering the cytoplasm, and are characterized by their coiled structure.

Role of Cholesterol

  • Cholesterol molecules help maintain the fluidity of the phospholipid bilayer, preventing it from becoming too rigid or too fluid, thus ensuring proper membrane function.

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