Module 2

Question 1

List three characteristics of the cell membrane structure

Answer 1

1. Plasma membrane
2. Phospholipid bilayer
3. Proteins associated with membrane

Question 2

Describe the phospholipid bilayer

Answer 2

Phospholipids contain hydrophilic surface (head) that interacts with water and a hydrophobic interior branched from the hydrophilic surface. Depicted as a head with two tails. Heads make up outside and tails inside.

Question 3

List two types of membrane proteins

Answer 3

1. Peripheral - loosely attached
2. Integral - embedded

Question 4

List 3 functions of the cell membrane

Answer 4

1. Retains cytoplasm
2. Barrier from environment. Selectively permeable barrier, allowing some molecules to pass
3. Location of some crucial metabolic processes

Question 5

How does the membrane of archaea differ from bacteria

Answer 5

Archaea contain unique ether lipids and enables resistance to extreme environs (temp, pH, ect). Bacteria have ester lipids.

Question 6

What does each segment represent in A:BwC

Answer 6

A: Number of carbons
B: Number of double/unsaturated bonds
wC: Location of methyl group

Question 7

Which PFLAs are indicative of gram- ?

Answer 7

Monounsaturated with 16 or 18 carbons and cyclopropyl

Question 8

Which PFLAs are indicative of gram+ ?

Answer 8

Terminally branched saturates with 15, 16, or 17 carbons