2.1.5 - Factors affecting membrane structure

Question 1

Factors affecting membrane structure

Answer 1

• Temperature

- Solvents

Question 2

Temperature

Answer 2

• As you increase temperature, phospholipids have more KE, they move more
• Membrane becomes more fluid and begins to lose its structure
• This loss of structure increases the permeability of the membrane
• If temperatures continue to increase the membrane will eventually break down. Carrier and channel proteins involved will be denatured, these are involved in transport, so permeability will be affected

Question 3

Solvents

Answer 3

• Organic solvents are less polar than water
• Organic solvents will dissolve membranes, disrupting cells
• The membrane becomes more fluid
• The membrane becomes more permeable