2.5 - Cell Membranes Flashcards
1
Q
Roles of cell surface membranes
A
- Partially permeable to control which substances enter and leave the cell.
- Site of cell signalling.
2
Q
Roles of membranes within cells
A
- Forms vesicles to transport substances around cells.
- Provide barrier between cytoplasm and organelles.
3
Q
Describe fluid-mosaic model
A
- Fluid - components free to move in phospholipid bilayer.
- Mosaic - components such as cholesterol, phospholipids, glycoproteins, glycolipids scattered throughout.
4
Q
How thick is cell membrane?
A
5-10 nm
5
Q
List components of cell surface membrane
A
- Proteins - peripheral, integral, glycoprotein
- Phospholipids
- Cholesterol (animal cells)
6
Q
Why is phosphate head hydrophilic?
A
It is polar - faces outwards
7
Q
Why are fatty acid tails hydrophobic?
A
They are non-polar
8
Q
Role of cholesterol
A
- Restricts movement of phospholipids, which prevents membrane being too fluid when warm.
- Regulates fluidity, so prevents membrane becoming too solid when cold.
9
Q
Function of membrane proteins
A
- Receptors
- Channels for facilitated diffusion
- Pumps for active transport
10
Q
Role of phospholipid bilayer
A
- Allows lipid soluble substances to enter/leave cell.
- Doesn’t allow water soluble/polar substances to enter/leave cell.
11
Q
Role of glycoLIPIDS
A
- Act as recognition sites.
- Adhesion - helps cells attach to each other to form tissues.
12
Q
Role of glycoPROTEINS
A
- Act as recognition sites
- Receptors for cell signalling
- Adhesion - helps cells stick together to form tissues.
- Act as antigens - so cell can be detected
13
Q
Cell signalling process
A
- Signal molecule released by exocytosis.
- Glycoproteins act as receptors
- Receptors are specific site for signal molecules - Shape of receptor and signal molecule are complementary.
- Attachment of signal molecule to receptor causes change inside cell.
- Cell surface membrane allows entry of some lipid-soluble signal molecules.
14
Q
Effects of high temperature on membrane structure
A
- KE of phospholipids increase - Phospholipids move more.
- Bilayer becomes more fluid and begins to lose structure - Increases number of gaps in membrane (becomes more permeable).
- Proteins in membrane could denature.
15
Q
Effects of organic solvent on membrane
A
Organic solvents dissolve membranes and can disrupt and break down cells
16
Q
What investigation looks into the effects of temperature on membrane permeability?
A
Beetroot PAG