cell membrane

Question 1

what is the difference between glycolipids and glycoproteins

Answer 1

carbs attached to lipids are glycolipids. Whereas proteins attached to lipids are glycoproteins

Question 2

describe the structure of phospholipids

Answer 2

hydrophilic head which contains a phosphate group which is negatively charged. Which makes the head polar and hydrophilic.

Hydrophobic tails contain saturated and unsaturated fatty acid tails which are non polar and hydrophobic

Question 3

what is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acid tails

Answer 3

saturated fatty acid tails have a single carbon-carbon bond, allows maximum amount of hydrogens (saturated with hydrogens)

whereas in unsaturated fatty acids carbons do not bond with oh carbons. This creates a double carbon-carbon covalent bond which creates an angle in a straight chain

Question 4

what is cholesterols role in fluidity of the membrane:

a. for increased temperature
b. decreased temperature

Answer 4

a. molecular motion increases, decreased molecular interaction between hydrocarbon chains. Cholesterol increases the interaction between the phospholipids, increasing fluidity
b. molecular motion decreases reducing membrane fluidity. Cholesterol will reduce the intermolecular interactions and stabilise membrane fluidity

Question 5

what are the function of membrane carbohydrates

Answer 5

1. Cell recognition and adhesion

2. Structural role as a physical barrier

Question 6

what is the difference between integral and peripheral proteins

Answer 6

integrins are transmembrane proteins meaning they pass through the membrane up to 7x. They involve cadherins and adhesion proteins

whereas peripheral proteins are not permanently joined to the membrane, Electric interactions keep them in place however these are weak.