5.2 Factors Affecting Membrane Structure

Question 1

What happens to phospholipids and a membrane when temperature of environment is increased

Answer 1

Have more kinetic energy
Makes membrane more fluid and begin to lose structure
It will eventually break down completely and the membrane will become more permeable
Carrier and channel proteins are denatured

Question 2

Why is water essential for the formation of the phospholipid bilayer

Answer 2

It’s a polar solvent so will interact with the charged phosphate heads to keep the bilayer intact

Question 3

What happens when organic solvents mix with membranes

Answer 3

They are less polar than water so will dissolve membranes and disrupt the cells

Question 4

What does alcohol do to membranes

Answer 4

They are toxic and destroy cells in the body
They will breaks own membranes if they eneter
Less concentrated solutions like alcoholic drinks with just cause damage but not dissolve membranes