Structure and function of plasma membrane

Question 1

What is the function of the plasma membrane

Answer 1

Controls the passage of substances into and out of a cell

Question 2

What is the plasma membrane composed of

Answer 2

The plasma membrane is composed of phospholipids arranged in a bilayer.

Question 3

Is the plasma membrane semi permeable?

Answer 3

Yes, the plasma membrane is semi permeable, meaning only some materials can enter/exit.

Question 4

How do molecules pass through the plasma membrane.

Answer 4

• Small, uncharged molecules pass through easily.
• Large molecules such as ions are difficult to pass through.

Question 5

What are phospholipids made up of?

Answer 5

Phospholipids have a polar head and a nonpolar tail.

Question 6

Polar head

Answer 6

The polar head is part of a phosphate group. It is hydrophilic (water loving)

Question 7

Nonpolar tail

Answer 7

The nonpolar tail has two chains of fatty acids. It is hydrophobic (water fearing)

Question 8

Cholesterol

Answer 8

Cholesterol prevents phospholipids from separating too far.

Question 9

Integral protein channel

Answer 9

Allows larger substances or ions to pass.

Question 10

Cytoskeleton

Answer 10

Pathway for molecules to transport through.