Describe the two basic Functions of the plasma membrane
Describe the two basic functions of the plasma membrane. 2. What specific molecule is typically most abundant on each side of a plasma membrane? Explain how this influences basic membeane structure. (Note: explain means to give physiological reasons why).
3. Draw and label a section of the plasma membrane of a human cell. Your drowing should include: A phospholipid bilayer: – Each phospholipid should include at least one unsaturated, fatty acid tai – Your plasma membrane should be at least 15-20 phospholipids in length –
Label the outside surface and the inside surface of your bilayer. (You can write “out” on one side and “in” on the other side) – Labela phospholipid. – Label the hydrophilic (polar) head of a phospholipid. –
Label the hydrophobic (nonpolar) talls of a phospholipid. – Make one of the phospholipids a glycolipid and label it, “glycolipid.” (Make sure the glycolipid is on the correct surface of the bilayer.)
Cholesterol – Drow and label two or more cholesterol molecules within the phospholipid bilayer. – Proteins and glycoproteins – Draw and Iabel membrarve proteins, including= – An integral protein that spans the membrane. – Label the polar regions of the integral protein. – Label the nonpolar region of the integral protein. – A peripheral protein. (Make sure it is on the correct surface of the bilayer.) – A glycoprotein.
(Make sure the carbohydrate portion of the glycoprotei extends from the correct surface of the membrane-) Use a bracket and labelling lines to indicate the following regions of the plasm membrane: – polar – nonpolar.
4. Describe one or more functions of the integral proteins.
5. Describe a function of the glycolipids and glycoproteins.
6. Which part of the phospholipid bilayer prevents ions and most small, polar molecules from passing freely through the membrane? Explain.
7. What characteristic of the phospholipids maintains membrane fluidity? Exploin. What other membrane component helps maintain membrane fluidity?
Explain. 8. Describe the consequences of a plasma membrane becoming solid. What functions would be lost? Explain.