L2 Membrane Structure and Function Flashcards
1
Q
What is the main component of cellular membranes?
A
Phospholipids.
2
Q
Why is water considered a universal solvent?
A
Due to its polarity and ability to form hydrogen bonds.
3
Q
What equation describes ion equilibrium across membranes?
A
The Nernst Equation.
4
Q
How do phospholipids behave in water?
A
They form monolayers or bilayers spontaneously.
5
Q
What is the role of the Golgi apparatus?
A
Processing and sorting proteins and lipids.
6
Q
What does GFP stand for, and why is it important?
A
Green Fluorescent Protein; used to visualize cellular structures.
7
Q
What is the endosymbiosis theory?
A
It suggests mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from engulfed prokaryotic cells.
8
Q
How do ion gradients generate energy?
A
By creating charge imbalances used in bioenergetic processes.
