PT - Structure and Function of Biological Membranes

Question 1

Why is the biological membrane important?

Answer 1

1. 1/4 of genes contained in the human genome project are expected to be membrane proteins
2. Dictate how the cell interacts with the environment
3. Important target for drugs

Question 2

Can biological membranes be viewed by a light microscope?

Answer 2

No, only by an electron microscope

Question 3

What are the 3 major classes of lipids?

Answer 3

1. Phospholipds
2. Cholesterol
3. Sphingolipids

Question 4

Why do lipids spontaneosuly form bilayers in an aqueous environment?

Answer 4

1. The system tries to minimise the free energy of the system
2. Hydrophobic Effect- hydrophobic regions interact with each other

Question 5

Why are cis bonds important in lipid membranes?

Answer 5

Cis bonds prevent the close packing of acyl chains resulting in a bilayer where the acyl chains are mobile