role

Question 1

what are the four functions/roles of the cell membrane?

Answer 1

• compartmentalisation
• cell signalling
• cell adhesion
• site for chemical reactions

Question 2

describe the cell membranes role in compartmentalisation

Answer 2

• membranes are a hydrophobic layers
• separates different regions of substances dissolved in water
• acts as a barrier by preventing hydrophillic molecules from moving from one region to another.

examples:
- separates the contents of cells from the environment
- separates different areas within cells (organelles) from each other
- separates different areas within organelles

Question 3

explain the role of cell membranes as a location for chemical reactions

Answer 3

• some enzymes or electron carriers have to be in certain positions relative to eachother in order to work for photosynthesis or aerobic respiration
• being membrane-bound allows for their positions to be maintained

Question 4

explain the role of cell membranes in cell signalling

Answer 4

• cell signalling is when one cell releases a chemical which causes a response in another cell
• glycoproteins are often the receptors that detect the prescence of chemicals and cause a change to the cell.

Question 5

explain the role of cell membranes in cell adhesion

Answer 5

• cell adhesion is the binding of a cell to a surface or substrate
• it is essential for tissue formation and the intergrity of multicellular organisms
• some types of glycoproteins have the role of cell adhesion.