cell membranes

Question 1

why can the structure of a phospholipid be known as the fluid mosaic model?

Answer 1

fluid - because phospholipid molecules move relative to one another
mosaic - because embedded proteins vary in shape, size and the pattern is like a mosaic

Question 2

what can pass through the membrane?

Answer 2

small, non-polar molecules and lipid-soluble molecules

Question 3

what is the role of the phospholipid?

Answer 3

acts as a barrier, the more polar and larger the molecule - the less likely it is to enter

Question 3

what can’t pass through the membrane?

Answer 3

water-soluble molecules as they must pass through protein channels

Question 4

what is the role of cholesterol?

Answer 4

maintains membrane fluidity - the more cholesterol, the more rigid

Question 5

what’s the purpose of the intrinsic protein?

Answer 5

used for transport into and out the cell via either carrier proteins (active) or channel proteins (passive)

Question 6

what’s the purpose of the extrinsic protein?

Answer 6

its combined with glycogen to create glycoprotein

Question 7

what’s the role of the glycoprotein?

Answer 7

they’re often ‘extrinsic proteins’ and act as antigens or receptors for hormones

Question 8

whats the purpose of glycolipids?

Answer 8

they maintain stability of the cell membrane and are used for cell recognition so they can adhere to other cells to form tissues