Plasma membrane structure

• What is the primary structure of the plasma membrane?

  Phospholipid bilayer
• Which substance can enter the cell through protein channels?

  Oxygen
• What is the purpose of the cytoskeletal filaments in the cell membrane?

  To provide structural support
• How do the functions of the phospholipid bilayer and protein channels in the cell membrane differ?

  The bilayer provides a barrier, while the channels facilitate transport
• What are the main components of the cell membrane?

  • Phospholipid bilayer
  • Integral proteins
  • Cholesterol
  • Glycoproteins
• What role do protein channels play in the plasma membrane?

  They allow certain substances to pass through
• How do the functions of integral membrane proteins and peripheral membrane proteins differ?

  Integral membrane proteins:

  • Embedded within the phospholipid bilayer
  • Involved in transport, signaling, and cell-cell interactions

  
  

  Peripheral membrane proteins:

  • Associated with the surface of the membrane
  • Involved in anchoring the membrane to the cytoskeleton
• What types of movement do proteins exhibit in the membrane?

  Rotation and lateral movement
• How does the arrangement of phospholipids contribute to the plasma membrane's function?

  It forms a stable barrier between the cell and environment
• What are the key differences between glycoproteins and glycolipids in the cell membrane?

  Glycoproteins:

  • Proteins with carbohydrate attached
  • Involved in cell-cell recognition and adhesion

  
  

  Glycolipids:

  • Lipids with carbohydrate attached
  • Involved in cell signaling and membrane fluidity
• What are membrane proteins critical for?

  Cell function
• What is a glycolipid?

  Lipid with carbohydrate attached
• What is the role of cholesterol in the cell membrane?

  To regulate fluidity and permeability
• How do the functions of the phospholipid bilayer and protein channels in the cell membrane differ?

  The bilayer provides a barrier, while the channels facilitate transport
• How does the plasma membrane facilitate transport?

  By allowing substances through protein channels
• What are the types of proteins found in the plasma membrane and their functions?

  • Integral proteins: Span membrane, transport/reception
  • Peripheral proteins: Attach to surface, structural/signaling
• What does selectively permeable mean in the context of protein channels?

  They allow specific substances to pass
• What is the structure of the phospholipid bilayer?

  It consists of embedded membrane proteins
• How do the different components of the cell membrane (phospholipids, proteins, cholesterol) work together to maintain the overall structure and function of the membrane?

  The phospholipid bilayer provides a flexible barrier, the proteins facilitate transport and signaling, and the cholesterol regulates membrane fluidity
• What is the function of glycoproteins in the plasma membrane?

  Help with cell recognition
• What is a glycoprotein?

  Protein with carbohydrate attached
• If you wanted to observe the detailed structure of the cell membrane, which microscope technique would you use?

  Scanning electron microscope (SEM)
• What are the types of membrane proteins and their key features?

  • Integral: Span membrane; transport, receptors
  • Peripheral: Surface bound; support, signaling
  • Protein Channel: Tube-shaped; selectively permeable
• What is the role of the integral proteins and glycoproteins embedded in the cell membrane?

  • Act as channel proteins to facilitate the transport of specific molecules in and out of the cell
  • Serve as receptor proteins to detect and respond to signals from the extracellular environment
  • Provide structural support and anchoring points for the cell
• How do phospholipids move within the membrane?

  They move laterally
• What are the main components of the cell membrane?

  • Phospholipid bilayer
  • Integral proteins
  • Cholesterol
  • Glycoproteins
• What is the significance of the lateral movement of phospholipids and proteins in the membrane?

  It allows for flexibility and functionality
• How does the plasma membrane provide protection to the cell?

  By preventing harmful substances from entering
• How does the arrangement of phospholipids in the cell membrane contribute to its selective permeability?

  The hydrophobic interior prevents the passage of water-soluble molecules, while allowing non-polar substances to diffuse through
• What analogy is used to describe the transport function of the plasma membrane?

  Like a gatekeeper selecting who can pass
• What is a glycoprotein?

  Protein with carbohydrate attached
• What is the function of receptor proteins in the plasma membrane?

  Facilitating interactions with other cells
• What does membrane fluidity refer to?

  Movement of membrane components
• How can the movement of membrane components be compared to a social scenario?

  • Like people dancing in a crowded room
  • Phospholipids and proteins move side-to-side
  • They cannot flip between layers
• What is the role of the phospholipid bilayer in the cell membrane?

  • Provides a barrier to separate the cell from its environment
  • Allows selective permeability of substances in and out of the cell
  • Gives the cell membrane its fluid, flexible structure
• What is the structure of the plasma membrane?

  Two layers of phospholipids
• If you wanted to observe the detailed structure of the cell membrane, which microscope technique would you use?

  Scanning electron microscope (SEM)
• What is the function of the plasma membrane?

  It acts as the cell's boundary
• Where are glycoproteins located in the plasma membrane?

  On the outer surface
• What is the function of integral proteins in the plasma membrane?

  They transport substances and act as receptors