Membrane Proteins

Question 1

Why is the arrangement of the phospholipid bilayer important?

Answer 1

Gives the cell membrane the ability to transport both fat-soluble and water-soluble molecules into and out of the cell.

Question 2

What are channel proteins?

Answer 2

• A type of transport protein
• Form channels or passageways through the cell membranes.
• Allow small water-soluble (able to be dissolved in water) particles to pass thru the hydrophobic phospholipid layer (the middle part)

Question 3

What are membrane pumps?

Answer 3

Use energy to move particle across the cell membrane (Active transport)

Question 4

What are enzymes?

Answer 4

Some proteins embedded in the membrane help to accelerate chemical reactions needed by the cells to live.

Question 5

Which type of protein allows communication of cells in order to control body functions?

Answer 5

Hormone receptor sites: Hormones are chemical messengers carried by the blood in the body. They enable communication between cells and give control over body functions such as growth or sexual reproduction.

Question 6

Attachment to other cells enabled by some membrane proteins allow the formation of what?

Answer 6

These proteins allow cells to attach to each other to form tissues.

Question 7

What type of protein is important for cell to cell recognition and therefore your immune system?

Answer 7

Glycoproteins carry a special sugar molecule that is unique to that cell, giving it a unique signature. Your immune system will identify foreign invaders using this sugar’s unique structure on the cell membrane. (Ex. white blood cells attacking organ transplants)

Question 8

True or false. Some proteins need o help the cell membrane stay attached to the cytoplasm.

Answer 8

True.