module 2 - 5.2 factors affecting membrane structure Flashcards
what is a heterokaryon?
different chromosomes
how many carbon atoms do phospholipids and glycolipids usually contain?
an even number of carbon atoms - typically between 16 and 20
what do unsaturated lipids do to the membrane?
they create a kink, preventing the fatty acids from packing together as tightly, increasing fluidity
how do some organisms regulate the fluidity of their cell membranes?
by altering lipid composition called HOMEOVISCOUS ADAPTATION
how will the phospholipids be moving within the membrane at any temperature?
moving in 2D
what happens to the movement of the phospholipids as the temperature increases?
- stays 2D within membrane
- increased kinetic energy of phospholipids so will move more
- increases fluidity and permeability of bilayer
what will happen if the temperature increases too much within a phospholipid?
leads to disruption of the bilayer
what happens to the membrane proteins at higher temperatures?
- they will denature
- affects the plasma membranes ability to control movement of molecules and ions across it
what are organic solvents?
- can be non polar
- will dissolve membranes so disrupt structure and function
what are what are the 3 main organic solvents?
carbon, hydrogen, oxygen
what effect does alcohol have on the membranes?
disrupts membranes to extent that water floods into the cell
what does alcohol based hand sanitiser do to COVID-19?
disrupts the lipid envolope of the virus
what is the dependent variable when investigating membrane permeability?
absorbance (of blue light)
what is the independent variable when investigating membrane permeability?
temperature (°C)
where is the dependent and independent variable located on a graph?
x axis - independent variable
y axis - dependent variable
