Topic 2: Plasma membrane and Biological Molecules

Question 1

What is the function of the Plasma Membrane?

Answer 1

Separates cells from their surroundings
-control transport of molecules into and out of the cell
Structure Relates to Function

Question 2

Fluid Mosaic Model?

Answer 2

Fluid– allows flexibility for transport and movement/passage
Mosaic: Proteins scattered throughout lipids

Question 3

Which biological molecules make up membranes?

Answer 3

Proteins
Lipids
Carbs

Question 4

Why does the membrane occur as it does?

Answer 4

Due to the interaction of molecules with the hydrophilic environment outside and inside of the cell
Lipids: hydrophobic tail and hydrophilic head (therefore proteins on the outsides of the membrane must be hydrophilic while proteins on the inside must be hydrophobic)

Question 5

What are the main elements in humans?

Answer 5

hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen

Question 6

Chemical Bond?

Answer 6

Link formed when atoms of Reactive elements combine into molecules

Question 7

Types of chemical bonds?

Answer 7

1. Covalent
2. Hydrogen
3. Ionic Bonds

Question 8

What is a covalent Bond?

Answer 8

Sharing of electrons between two atoms
Polar: Forms between atoms of different electronegativities resulting in a separation of charges within the molecule (ie hydrogen and oxygen)