Factors affecting membrane structure

Question 1

What are the two factors affecting membrane structure?

Answer 1

• Temp.

- Solvents

Question 2

How does temperature affect the phospholipid bilayer?

Answer 2

Increasing the temperature will make phospholipid bilayer move more frequently due to increase in KE, so membrane becomes more fluid (losing it’s structure), making it easier for particles to cross. If temp continues increasing cell breaks down completely.

Question 3

How does temperature affect channel and carrier proteins?

Answer 3

They denature so membrane permeability will be affected.

Question 4

Explain how solvents disrupt membranes.

Answer 4

Many organic solvents are less polar than water and will dissolve in membranes disrupting cells.

Question 5

Give an example of a disruptive solvent.

Answer 5

Alcohol (used in antiseptics to kill bacteria).