Chapter 5.1 - Structure + function of membranes

Question 1

What is the formation of membrane-bound areas in a cell called?

Answer 1

Compartmentalisation

Question 2

What are membranes formed form?

Answer 2

Phospholipid Bilayer

Question 3

Why are phospholipid bilayers suited for their purpose?

Answer 3

The outer surfaces of the hydrophilic phosphate heads interact with the water.

Question 4

Why is it called the fluid-mosaic model?

Answer 4

the phospholipids are free to move within the layer relative to each other, and the proteins embedded in the bilayer vary in shape and size (mosaic)

Question 5

What is an intrinsic protein?

Answer 5

Proteins that are embedded in both layers of a membrane

Question 6

What is an extrinsic protein?

Answer 6

Proteins that are only present in one side of the bilayer.

Question 7

what is an example of an intrinsic protein (and function)

Answer 7

channel proteins - provides hydrophilic channel through membrane for passive movement through cell

carrier proteins - used for both active and passive transport.

Question 8

what is an example of an extrinsic protein (and function)?

Answer 8

Cholesterol - lipid with hydrophilic end and a hydrophobic end, like a phospholipid - regulates fluidity of membranes.

Question 9

What is the function of glycoproteins?

Answer 9

Plays a role in cell adhesion and as receptors for chemical signals.

Question 10

What is the function of Glycolipids?

Answer 10

Lipids with attatched carbohydrate chains - commonly called “cell markers” for their ability to be recognised by the immune system as “self” (of the organism) or “non-self” (cells belonging to another organism).