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Chapter 5

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Terms in this set (22)

  • Amphipathic molecule
    A molecule with both hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (water-fearing) parts.
  • Primary component of biological membranes
    Phospholipids form the main structure of biological membranes.
  • Phospholipid bilayer
    A double layer of phospholipids that makes up plasma and organelle membranes.
  • Fluid mosaic model
    Describes membranes as a dynamic structure where molecules move laterally, creating a fluid-like nature.
  • Protein content in biological membranes
    Biological membranes can be made up of 20-80% proteins.
  • Selective permeability
    The membrane's ability to regulate passage of substances in and out of the cell.
  • Role of cholesterol in membranes
    Cholesterol helps to stabilize membrane fluidity.
  • Embedded proteins
    Proteins inserted into the phospholipid bilayer that can move laterally and perform various functions.
  • Other terms for biological membranes
    Also called cell membranes or plasma membranes.
  • Hydrophilic
    Water-loving; refers to the polar head of a phospholipid.
  • Hydrophobic
    Water-fearing; refers to the non-polar tail of a phospholipid.
  • Meaning of 'bi' in bilayer
    Means two, indicating two layers of phospholipids.
  • Mosaic in fluid mosaic model
    Refers to the membrane being made of many different parts like proteins and lipids.
  • Function of biological membranes
    To control passage of molecules into and out of the cell, like the skin of the body.
  • Carbohydrate groups in membranes
    Attached to proteins and lipids; involved in cell recognition and signaling.
  • What allows membrane fluidity?
    The lateral movement of phospholipids and proteins within the bilayer.
  • Significance of amphipathic phospholipids
    Allows formation of bilayers with hydrophilic heads outward and hydrophobic tails inward.
  • Cholesterol in animal cell membranes
    A lipid interspersed in the bilayer that contributes to membrane fluidity.
  • Main function of embedded proteins
    Perform transport, signaling, and structural support roles.
  • Semi-fluid nature of membranes
    Membranes are not fixed; molecules can move around within the bilayer.
  • Implication of fluid mosaic model
    Membranes are composed of various molecules that move and shift, creating a flexible structure.
  • Role of carbohydrate groups on membrane proteins and lipids
    Involved in cell recognition and signaling.