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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the plasma membrane?
What is the primary function of the plasma membrane?
What is the term for the maintenance of a steady internal environment within the cell?
What is the term for the maintenance of a steady internal environment within the cell?
What is the orientation of the hydrophilic polar heads in the phospholipid bilayer?
What is the orientation of the hydrophilic polar heads in the phospholipid bilayer?
What is the role of steroids, such as cholesterol, in the plasma membrane?
What is the role of steroids, such as cholesterol, in the plasma membrane?
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What is the region of the phospholipid bilayer where the hydrophobic nonpolar tails are located?
What is the region of the phospholipid bilayer where the hydrophobic nonpolar tails are located?
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What is the primary purpose of the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophilic polar heads?
What is the primary purpose of the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophilic polar heads?
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What is the result of the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic nonpolar tails facing each other?
What is the result of the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic nonpolar tails facing each other?
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What is the function of the embedded proteins in the phospholipid bilayer?
What is the function of the embedded proteins in the phospholipid bilayer?
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What is the effect of cholesterol in animal cells on the plasma membrane?
What is the effect of cholesterol in animal cells on the plasma membrane?
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What is the environment that the plasma membrane separates the cell from?
What is the environment that the plasma membrane separates the cell from?
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Study Notes
Plasma Membrane Overview
- The plasma membrane acts as a barrier, segregating the cell's internal environment from the external surroundings.
- It plays a crucial role in regulating the movement of molecules in and out of the cell.
Homeostasis
- Homeostasis refers to the maintenance of a stable internal environment within the cell despite external changes.
Structure of the Plasma Membrane
- Composed of a phospholipid bilayer, which features:
- Hydrophilic Polar Heads: Water-attracting regions that face both the inside and outside of the cell where water is present.
- Hydrophobic Nonpolar Tails: Water-repelling regions that face each other, forming the interior of the membrane and avoiding water.
Membrane Proteins
- Embedded proteins are integral to the membrane's function, contributing to transport and signaling.
Role of Cholesterol
- Cholesterol molecules are found within the plasma membrane of animal cells, providing stiffness and structural stability to the membrane.
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Description
Learn about the structure and function of the plasma membrane, including its role in regulating molecule transport and maintaining homeostasis. Understand the composition of the phospholipid bilayer and the properties of hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions.
