Factors affecting membrane structure Flashcards
1
Q
What is the role of membranes?
A
To control what goes in + out of cell
2
Q
What happens if membranes lose their structure?
A
They lose ability to regulate movement in + out of cell, cell processes are disrupted
3
Q
Permeability is affected, what does this mean?
A
More molecules can pass through cells
4
Q
What factors affect stability of membranes?
A
Temp, solvents
5
Q
Explain how temp affects membrane structure:
A
- Phospholipids in membrane have more kinetic energy when temp increases - they move more
- Makes membrane more fluid + it begins to lose structure
- This increases permeability, and channel + carrier proteins are denatured at high temps
These involved in movement, permeability affected
6
Q
How do solvents affect membrane structure?
A
- Water (polar solvent) important in formation of phospholipid bilayer
- Organic solvents are less polar than water, + they dissolve membranes, disrupting cells
- Non-polar molecules can enter cell membrane, + these between phospholipids disrupts membrane
This causes membrane to become fluid + permeable
7
Q
What is an example of an organic solvents?
A
Alcohols
