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What do you understand by the semipermeability of the cell membrane?
Semipermeability refers to the property of allowing certain substances to pass through while blocking others. In the context of the cell membrane, this means that the membrane selectively permits the passage of molecules and ions based on their size, charge, and polarity, controlling what enters and leaves the cell. This process is crucial for maintaining cell homeostasis and regulating cellular processes.
Why water and ions can pass through the plasma membrance easily?
The plasma membrane is provided with very small passages to allow the molecules of water and ions of other elements. It is made up of lipo-proteins and has semipermeability.
What is the property of the cell membrane that allows only some materials to pass through it?
Selective permeability is the property of the cell membrane that allows only certain molecules or ions to pass through, while blocking others. This is achieved through the presence of specific transport proteins and the lipid bilayer structure of the membrane.
What factors contribute to the membrane potential of a cell?
There are many factors that contribute to the membrane potential of a cell. The driving force of ions which are a summation of voltage gradient and concentration gradient are an important one. Also other proteins and amino acids contribute to the cell's membrane potential.
A cell is if it lacks a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.?
That are the features of prokaryotes.They do not have a nucleus and membrane bound organells.
How does cholesterol contribute to decreasing membrane fluidity?
Cholesterol decreases membrane fluidity by inserting itself between the phospholipid molecules in the cell membrane, making the membrane more rigid and less flexible.
How does the composition of the cell membrane and the structural features of the macro molecules that make up the cell membrane contribute to the membrane function?
The cell membrane is primarily composed of a phospholipid bilayer, with embedded proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates, creating a fluid mosaic structure. The hydrophobic tails of phospholipids form a barrier to most water-soluble substances, while the proteins facilitate transport and communication, allowing selective permeability. Cholesterol maintains membrane fluidity, ensuring stability across varying temperatures, while carbohydrates on glycoproteins and glycolipids play key roles in cell recognition and signaling. Together, these features enable the membrane to regulate the internal environment of the cell and interact with its surroundings effectively.
What are leak channels and how do they contribute to the resting membrane potential of a cell?
Leak channels are ion channels in the cell membrane that allow ions to passively leak in and out of the cell. They contribute to the resting membrane potential by helping maintain the negative charge inside the cell at rest. This helps establish the electrical gradient necessary for cell function.
What are the features of a cell?
chloroplasts, cell wall, permanent vacuole, cell membrane
What two features are visible in the nucleus during interphase?
nuclear membrane and nucleolus
How do phospholipids contribute to the specific functions of the plasma membrane?
Phospholipids in the plasma membrane help create a barrier that controls what enters and exits the cell. They also play a role in cell signaling and maintaining the membrane's structure and flexibility.
What two features do eukaryotes have that prokaryotes do not have?
Eukaryotes have a defined nucleus that houses their genetic material, while prokaryotes possess a nucleoid region without a membrane-bound nucleus. Additionally, eukaryotic cells contain membrane-bound organelles, such as mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum, which are absent in prokaryotic cells. These structural differences contribute to the complexity and functionality of eukaryotic organisms compared to prokaryotes.
