Module 5 Flashcards
Describe the role of the components of the plasma membrane and their function.
The plasma membrane, also known as the cell membrane, is a crucial structure that surrounds all cells. It consists of various components, each with specific roles in maintaining the integrity and function of the cell. Overall, the components of the plasma membrane work together to regulate the exchange of substances, facilitate cell communication and adhesion, and maintain the structural integrity of the cell.
Give examples of the two main types of energy.
Kinetic Energy: Kinetic energy is the energy associated with the motion of an object. It depends on both the mass and velocity of the object. Examples of kinetic energy include: a moving car, wind moving through the air, water flowing through a river, a bouncing ball.
Potential Energy: Potential energy is the energy that an object possesses due to its position or state. It can be converted into kinetic energy when the object moves. Examples: A stretched spring or a compressed coil. Fuels such as gasoline, coal, or natural gas. Energy stored in food molecules like glucose.
endergonic
(chemical reactions that require an input of energy to proceed. In other words, they absorb energy from their surroundings.)
exergonic
(chemical reactions that release energy to their surroundings. They proceed spontaneously without requiring an input of energy.)
Describe the role and function of enzymes in promoting biochemical reactions.
Enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts, speeding up biochemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reactions to occur.
Explain how enzymes are either helped or inhibited by other molecules, and how this in turn helps our bodies to control reactions.
By controlling enzyme activity through various mechanisms such as activation by cofactors, allosteric regulation, and inhibition by competitive or non-competitive inhibitors, cells can adjust metabolic pathways in response to changing environmental conditions, nutrient availability, and cellular demands. This precise control ensures that biochemical processes occur at optimal rates to maintain cellular homeostasis and support overall physiological functions.
Give examples of how different environmental conditions can affect enzymatic activity.
environmental conditions such as temperature, pH, salt concentration, and substrate concentration can significantly affect enzymatic activity by influencing enzyme structure, stability, and interactions with substrates.
plasma membrane
a phospholipid bilayer with embedded (integral) or attached (peripheral) proteins that separates the internal contents of the cell from its surrounding environment
lipid bilayer
makes up plasma membrane
Phospholipid
a lipid molecule composed of two fatty acid chains, a glycerol backbone, and a phosphate group.
Lipid
Lipids are a diverse group of organic molecules that are insoluble in water but soluble in nonpolar solvents such as chloroform, benzene, and ether. They serve various functions in living organisms, including energy storage, structural components of cell membranes, insulation, and signaling molecules.
fluid-mosaic model
a model of the structure of the plasma membrane as a mosaic of components, including phospholipids, cholesterol, proteins, and glycolipids, resulting in a fluid rather than static character
transmembrane proteins
assist material in moving across the plasma membranedown a concentration gradient without the expenditure of cellular energy
cell walls
a rigid covering that protects the cell, provides structural support, and gives shape to the cell. Fungal and protist cells also have cell walls.
selective permeability
refers to the property of biological membranes that allows them to regulate the passage of certain substances while restricting the movement of others.
