What are the functions of the cell membrane? What does it mean to be selectively permeable? What type of molecules can get through the cell membrane the most easily? What type of m... What are the functions of the cell membrane? What does it mean to be selectively permeable? What type of molecules can get through the cell membrane the most easily? What type of molecules have a more difficult time getting through? The cell membrane is made of ________________________, ____________, and other molecules. Is this part of the molecule attracted to water, or not attracted to water? Would this make it polar, or nonpolar? Is this part of the molecule attracted to water, or not attracted to water? Would this make it polar, or nonpolar? Draw a simplistic phospholipid below. Label the hydrophilic and the hydrophobic regions. Molecules that have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions are called ____________________. Draw a phospholipid bilayer below. Why is the fact that the membrane is made up of a phospholipid bilayer important? Why is cholesterol on the inside of the cell membrane? What types of amino acids (polar, nonpolar, cation, anion) would you expect to find within cell membranes? Explain. What about on the outside of cell membranes? Explain.
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for detailed answers based on information provided in a video about cell membrane structure. It requires understanding various concepts related to the cell membrane, such as its functions, structure, components, and the properties of molecules that interact with it.
Answer
Cell membrane functions: protect, structure, regulate exchange; selective permeability; lipids, proteins, cholesterol; small nonpolar molecules pass easily.
The cell membrane functions to protect the cell, provide structure, and regulate the exchange of substances. Selective permeability means only certain molecules can pass through. Small, nonpolar molecules pass easily, while large, polar ones struggle. The membrane comprises lipids, proteins (hydrophilic and hydrophobic), and cholesterol.
Answer for screen readers
The cell membrane functions to protect the cell, provide structure, and regulate the exchange of substances. Selective permeability means only certain molecules can pass through. Small, nonpolar molecules pass easily, while large, polar ones struggle. The membrane comprises lipids, proteins (hydrophilic and hydrophobic), and cholesterol.
More Information
The phospholipid bilayer's polar heads face outward (hydrophilic), while nonpolar tails face inward (hydrophobic), creating selective permeability. Amphipathic molecules like phospholipids have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions. Cholesterol maintains fluidity. Nonpolar amino acids are inside the membrane; polar amino acids are outside due to their affinity with water.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming all substances can pass through the membrane easily. Remember that only certain molecules, mainly small and nonpolar, can pass freely.
Sources
- The cell membrane review (article) | Khan Academy - khanacademy.org
- Cell Membrane (Plasma Membrane) - genome.gov
- Selective permeability of the cell membrane - Osmosis - osmosis.org
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