5.2 Factors Affecting Membrane Structures Flashcards
(7 cards)
1
Q
What happens to membranes if they lose their structures?
A
They lose control of the passage of different substances in and out of the membrane, and cell processes will be disrupted
2
Q
How does temperature affect membrane structures?
A
- If temperature is increased, the phospholipids will have more kinetic energy, and move more. This makes the membrane more fluid, and it begins to lose its structure.
- Temperatures continue to increase: the cell will break down completely.
- Carrier and channel proteins will be denatured
3
Q
What factors affect membrane structure?
A
Temperature and solvents
4
Q
Why is water essential in the formation of the phospholipid bilayer?
A
Because it determines the direction of the phospholipid heads and tails, based on hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions
5
Q
How do organic solvents affect membranes?
A
They will dissolve them, disrupting cells
6
Q
Are the majority of organic solvents more or less polar than water?
A
Less
7
Q
What happens when the membrane is disrupted?
A
It becomes more fluid and more permeable
