cell membrane Flashcards
What do phospholipids consist of
A phosphate head which is hydrophilic (Polar)
A fatty acid tail which is hydrophobic (Non-Polar)
What two structures do phospholipids form when exposed to water
micelle
bilayer
What are some functions of the cell membrane
-partially permeable barrier
-site of chemical reactions
-sites of cell communication (cell signaling)
what is the orientation of the head and tail of the phospholipid
head is on the outside and tails face inside
why is cholesterol important
controls membrane fluidity
keeping membranes stable at normal body temps.
what does more cholesterol mean
a less fluid and less permeable membrane
what would happen to cells without cholesterol
they would burst open
what spans the whole width of the membrane
integral proteins
where are peripheral proteins
inner or outer surface of the membrane
what can integral proteins also be
carrier molecules or channels
