12 Questions
What are biological polymers typically formed by?
Dehydration
Which of the following is a common biological polymer mentioned in the text?
Proteins
What type of group is found at the hydrophilic head of membranes?
Phosphate
Why do simple detergents retain amphipathicity?
Fatty acids
What function do cellular membranes serve as per the text?
Compartmentalization and protection
The immiscibility of what substances gives rise to compartmentalization, protection, and energy generation in cells?
Water and lipids
What is the main factor that affects the speed of diffusion?
The distance separated by the spaces
Why do biological membranes pose a barrier to diffusion?
To maintain an imbalance in ion concentrations
What does the Nernst Equation describe?
The equilibrium between chemical and electrical forces on charged molecules
What causes a membrane voltage to occur?
Balanced immobile charges and charge transport
How can the voltage across cell membranes be measured?
With microelectrodes implanted in cells
What drives the diffusion of ions (charges) across biological membranes?
Both chemical and electrical gradients
Learn about polymers, which are molecules built of repeated subunits, and membranes, which are phospholipid polymers made of fatty acids, glycerol, phosphate, and amine or alcohol groups. Common polymers include DNA, RNA, proteins, cellulose, keratin, and lipids.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
