Phospholipid and Membrane Composition

Question 1

Phospholipid

Answer 1

Composition of Phospholipid:
Phospholipids are the main molecules of which membranes are composed.They consist of a phosphate head and two fatty acid tails.

Question 2

Phospholipid Bilayer

Answer 2

A double layer of amphiphilic molecules that forms the primary component of cell membranes.

Question 3

Phosphate Head and Fatty Acid Tail

Answer 3

Phosphate Head:
The hydrophilic subunit of a phospholipid.
Fatty Acid Tail:
The hydrophobic lipid subunit of a phospholipid.

Question 4

Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Properties

Answer 4

Hydrophilic:
Describes a tendency to be attracted to and dissolve in water.
Hydrophobic:
Describes a tendency to repel and be insoluble in water.

Question 5

Polar and Nonpolar Molecules

Answer 5

Polar molecules have both a positive and negative end, making them hydrophilic.
Nonpolar molecules lack a clearly positive or negative end, making them hydrophobic.

Question 6

Amphipathic Molecules

Answer 6

Describes molecules with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic components.

Question 7

Cholesterol

Answer 7

A steroid-alcohol that regulates fluidity in plasma membranes

Question 8

Integral protein

Answer 8

A protein that is permanently secured to the plasma membrane

Question 9

Transmembrane protein

Answer 9

An integral protein that spans the entire plasma membrane

Question 10

Peripheral protein

Answer 10

A protein that is temporarily attached to the plasma membrane

Question 11

Cytoskeleton

Answer 11

The microscopic web of protein filaments in the cytoplasm. It provides structure and support, and transports products around the cell

Question 12

Glycolipid

Answer 12

A phospholipid bound to a carbohydrate

Question 13

Glycoprotein

Answer 13

The theory of how the plasma membrane is structured, depicting it as a mosaic of components including phospholipids, cholesterol, and proteins