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Questions and Answers
The cell membrane is also called the ___ membrane and is made of a ____
plasma, phospholipid bilayer
The phospholipids have a ___ and two ____
Hydrophilic (water attracting) polar head and hydrophobic (water repelling) non-polar tails
The head of a phospholipid is made of an ___ and ___
alcohol and phosphate
The tails are chains of
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Phospholipids can move ___ and allow water and other smaller molecules to pass through into and out of the cell, aka diffusion
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Another type of lipid in the cell membrane is ____ that makes the membrane more ____
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Embedded in the phospholipid bilayer are ____ that also aid in diffusion and in cell recognition
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Go all the through the bilayer
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Only on one side of the bilayer
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Integral proteins are also called
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Four functions of the cell or plasma membrane:
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Phosphate heads ____ water
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Helps maintain flexibility of membrane
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Involved in cell to cell recognition
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Repels water
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Make up the bilayer
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Help transport certain materials across the cell membrane
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What way does water move across membranes?
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Solute bigger outside
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Solute bigger inside
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Study Notes
Cell Membrane Overview
- The cell membrane is also known as the plasma membrane, primarily composed of a phospholipid bilayer.
Phospholipids Structure
- Phospholipids consist of a hydrophilic polar head and two hydrophobic non-polar tails.
- The head is made of an alcohol molecule and a phosphate group.
- The tails are long chains of fatty acids.
Membrane Characteristics
- Phospholipids can move sideways within the bilayer, facilitating the passive movement of water and small molecules through diffusion.
- Cholesterol is another lipid found in the membrane that enhances its fluidity.
Proteins in the Membrane
- Proteins embedded in the phospholipid bilayer are essential for diffusion and cell recognition.
- Integral proteins span the entire bilayer, also referred to as channel proteins.
- Peripheral proteins are located on one side of the bilayer.
Functions of the Cell Membrane
- The cell membrane performs four primary functions: selective transport of materials, providing structural support, acting as a barrier for protection, and maintaining homeostasis with the environment.
Membrane Dynamics
- Phosphate heads have a strong affinity for water, while fatty acid tails repel it.
- Cholesterol helps maintain the membrane's flexibility.
- Glycoproteins and glycolipids are involved in cell-to-cell recognition processes.
Transport Mechanisms
- Integral proteins, peripheral proteins, and glycoproteins assist in transporting various materials across the membrane.
- Water primarily moves across membranes down the concentration gradient.
Tonicity
- Hypertonic solutions have a higher concentration of solutes outside the cell.
- Hypotonic solutions have a higher concentration of solutes inside the cell.
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Description
This set of flashcards focuses on key concepts related to the cell membrane, including its structure and components. You'll learn about the phospholipid bilayer, hydrophilic heads, and hydrophobic tails through engaging prompts. Ideal for students studying cell biology or related fields.
