STRUCTURE
What is the main component of the cell membrane?
Phospholipids
What are the two parts of a phospholipid molecule?
Hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails.
What is the role of the cell membrane?
To protect the cell and control what enters and leaves.
Who studied the lipids in the cell membrane in 1925?
Gortner and Grendel
What hydrophobic substance is mentioned in the introduction?
Lipids.
What is the shape of the cell membrane?
A bilayer.
Why do phospholipid tails face inward?
They are hydrophobic and avoid water.
How does the membrane protect the cell?
It acts as a barrier between the cytoplasm and the external environment.
What was discovered about the membrane structure during these studies?
The membrane is a double layer of lipids.
What are some examples of hydrophilic molecules?
Glucose and ions like Na+ and K+
What type of molecules are found embedded in the membrane?
Proteins.
What does the term "hydrophilic" refer to?
Water-loving.
What types of substances can pass through the membrane easily?
Hydrophobic molecules, such as small lipids.
How did the studies change our understanding of cell membranes?
They confirmed the phospholipid bilayer model.
What experiment did Don Pettit conduct with candy corn?
He demonstrated hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions.
What does the term "selective permeability" mean?
The ability of the membrane to allow certain substances to pass while blocking others
What role do hydrophobic molecules play in crossing the membrane?
They can easily pass through the membrane.
What role do proteins play in the cell membrane?
They help transport substances across the membrane.
What does the discovery of the phospholipid bilayer imply about cell function?
It suggests that cells have a selective barrier that is crucial for their survival.
How do hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions affect cell function?
They determine what can cross the cell membrane.
How does the structure of the membrane contribute to its function?
The bilayer structure allows for selective permeability and protection of the cell.
What is the significance of the phospholipid bilayer in cell function?
It creates a barrier that regulates what enters and exits the cell.
How does the cell membrane maintain homeostasis?
By regulating the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
Why is the study of the cell membrane important in biology?
It helps us understand how cells interact with their environment.
Why are phospholipids crucial for life?
They form the basic structure of cell membranes, allowing for compartmentalization and regulation.