Membrane Structure & Function

Question 1

amphipathic

Answer 1

• a molecule (lipids or proteins) that has two distinct parts (hydrophobic and hydrophilic)

Question 2

glycolipid

Answer 2

• a molecule with a fatty part and a sugary part
• they help cells stick together and communicate

Question 3

lipid bilayer

Answer 3

• two layers of lipids that help form the basic structure of cell membranes

Question 4

saturated (hydrocarbon)

Answer 4

• a molecule where each carbon atom is linked to the maximum number of hydrogen atoms it can hold

Question 5

transmembrane protein

Answer 5

• a gate with passages running through the cell membrane, letting certain molecules in and out of the cell while blocking others
• essential for communication between the cell and its environment, as well as for controlling what enters and leaves the cell

Question 6

aqueous

Answer 6

• something being dissolved or suspended in water

Question 7

glycoprotein

Answer 7

• a protein molecule that has sugar molecules attached to it
• the sugar molecules help with cell recognition, acting as signaling molecules, or providing structural support

Question 8

multi-pass

Answer 8

• proteins that are important for transporting molecules in and out of cells, as well as for communication between cells

Question 9

selective barrier

Answer 9

• a structure (like a cell membrane) that lets certain substances pass through while keeping others out

Question 10

unsaturated (hydrocarbon)

Answer 10

• a molecule where the carbon atoms in the chain aren’t fully bonded with hydrogen atoms

Question 11

cholesterol

Answer 11

• builds and maintains cell walls and helping to produce hormones and Vitamin D

Question 12

hydrocarbon tail

Answer 12

• a long chain of carbon atoms with attached hydrogen atoms that sticks out from the rest of the molecule

Question 13

peripheral protein

Answer 13

• like a guard stationed on the outer edges of a cell’s membrane
• it helps with tasks like signaling, transport, and structural support

Question 14

single pass

Answer 14

• a visitor who enters the cell membrane once and doesn’t go back
• these proteins often act as receptors, receiving signals from outside the cell and passing them into the cell

Question 15

phospholipid

Answer 15

• a lipid that makes up the basic structure of cell membranes
• forms a barrier that separates the inside of the cell from the outside environment

Question 16

fatty acid

Answer 16

• a long chain of carbon atoms with hydrogen atoms attached
• they provide energy, help build cell membranes, and play a role in various biological processes

Question 17

integral protein

Answer 17

• it helps things move in and out of the cell and plays a role in communication between cells

Question 18

phosphatidylcholine

Answer 18

• a phospholipid that protects the cells in your brain
• transmits messages in your brain to help your memory and cognitive function

Question 19

tight junction

Answer 19

• a tight seal between two cells, ensuring that nothing can leak through the cracks
• maintains the integrity of tissues and organs, as well as for controls the movement of molecules between cells