3A Plasma Membrane Flashcards
1
Q
What is the plasma membrane?
A
The phospholipid bilayer and embedded proteins separate the intracellular environment and extracellular environment.
2
Q
What is selective permeability?
A
A property of cell membranes that ensures only specific substances pass across them
3
Q
What is a plasma membrane made out of?
A
Phospholipids bilayer embedded with proteins, carbohydrates and cholesterol
4
Q
What is a phosphate head?
A
The hydrophilic subunit of a phospholipid, negatively charged and polar
5
Q
What is the fatty acid tail?
A
The hydrophobic lipid subunit of a phospholipid, which are uncharged and non-polar
6
Q
What are amphipathic molecules?
A
Both have hydrophobic and hydrophilic components
