1.3 - Membrane Structure

Question 1

What are phospholipids?

Answer 1

Lipids consisting of a phosphate hydrophilic head and a fatty acid hydrophobic tail

Question 2

Why are membrane proteins important? (JETRAT)

Answer 2

J: Junctions (connects cells)
E: Enzymes
T: Transport (diffusion)
R: Recognition
A: Anchorage (cytoskeleton attachment)
T: Transduction (hormone receptors)

Question 3

Explain the Fluid Mosaic Model (Singer-Nicholson)

Answer 3

the cell membrane is described as fluid since phospholipids move sideways, so it is not solid.

described as a mosaic since it is made up of different parts.

they proposed that the proteins are embedded in within the lipid bilayer

Question 4

Explain the Danielli and Davson Model

Answer 4

they proposed that the lipid bilayer was covered with protein on both sides, but later discovered that not all membranes were symmetrical. therefore it was rejected