answersLogoWhite

0

Cell or Plasma Membranes

Every cell has a cell membrane (plasma membrane) that separates the interior of the cell from the outside environment. One of the most important functions of this biological membrane is to protect the cell from outside threats by controlling the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

500 Questions

How does a saponin work?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

Saponins are natural compounds found in plants that have detergent-like properties. They can disrupt cell membranes, leading to their ability to form foamy structures when mixed with water. In the context of cleaning products, saponins can help to solubilize and remove dirt and grease from surfaces.

What compound is responsible for special functions of cell membranes?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

The compound that composes most of the cell membrane in most animal cell is called...phospholipid. This molecule works by being amphipathic, it has a polar end and a nonpolar end. This allows two layers of this molecule to for the phospholipid bilayer, with the nonpolar tails excluded from the water and turned inward and the polar heads turned outward into the solution.

What are the specific terms for plasma membrane and cytoplasm of muscle cell?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

Plasma membrane of a muscle cell is called sarcolemma, while the cytoplasm is referred to as sarcoplasm.

How does the flexibility of plasma membrane helps the cell?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

The flexibility of the plasma membrane allows for movement of molecules into and out of the cell. This is crucial for the cell to take in nutrients and eliminate waste products. Additionally, it enables the cell to be responsive to changes in its environment, helping maintain homeostasis.

What regulates the flow of water through a cell membranes?

User Avatar

Asked by Nat212

The movement of water in and out of cells is regulated by aquaporins, which are specialized water channel proteins embedded in the cell membrane. Aquaporins facilitate the rapid movement of water molecules across the membrane, allowing cells to maintain proper water balance and osmotic regulation.

The antigens that express blood groups are surface proteins found on the cell membranes of?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

red blood cells. These surface proteins determine an individual's blood type by reacting with antibodies in the blood. The most well-known blood group system is the ABO system, which classifies blood into types A, B, AB, and O based on the presence or absence of certain antigens.

What are the four function of the plasma membrane of the prokaryotes?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

The four functions of the plasma membrane in prokaryotes are regulating what enters and exits the cell, providing structure and support to the cell, facilitating cellular communication and signaling, and playing a role in cell recognition and adhesion.

The current theory of the structure of the plasma membrane is best described by?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

The current theory of the plasma membrane structure is the fluid mosaic model. This model describes the membrane as a fluid lipid bilayer with proteins and other molecules embedded within it, creating a dynamic and constantly changing structure that regulates the passage of substances in and out of the cell.

What best describes the structural arrangement of the plasma membrane?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

The plasma membrane has a phospholipid bilayer structure composed of two layers of phospholipid molecules. Proteins are also embedded within this bilayer, serving various functions such as transport, signaling, and cell recognition. The structure allows for selective permeability, controlling the passage of substances in and out of the cell.

How to Describe the purpose of the plasma membrane?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

The plasma membrane acts as a barrier that controls what enters and exits the cell, helping to maintain internal conditions necessary for cell function. It also plays a role in cell communication through interactions with other cells and signaling molecules.

Why is plasma membrane flexible?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

The plasma membrane is flexible due to the presence of phospholipid molecules that can move and change position. This fluidity allows the membrane to bend and stretch, enabling the cell to change shape and facilitating the movement of molecules in and out of the cell.

In a plasma membrane is a hydrophilic portion oriented to the outside of the cell?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

Yes, the hydrophilic portion of the plasma membrane, which consists of the phospholipid head groups, is oriented towards the outside of the cell. This arrangement allows the hydrophilic heads to interact with the aqueous extracellular environment while the hydrophobic tails face inward to form the lipid bilayer.

What polymers provides protection in the plasma membrane?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

Phospholipids are the main polymers that provide protection in the plasma membrane. They form a lipid bilayer that acts as a barrier to protect the cell from the external environment. Additionally, cholesterol molecules help maintain the stability and fluidity of the membrane.

Does the plasma membrane separate the contents of the cell from its environment?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

Yes, the plasma membrane acts as a semi-permeable barrier that separates the contents inside the cell from its external environment. It regulates the passage of molecules in and out of the cell to maintain internal balance and protect the cell from potentially harmful substances.

The plasma membranes of all known cells are largely composed of what class of macromolecules?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

The plasma membranes of cells are largely composed of lipids, specifically phospholipids. These phospholipids form a bilayer structure that provides a barrier for the cell, regulating the passage of molecules in and out of the cell.

What kind of lipids make up the bilayer that forms cell membranes?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

Phospholipids make up the majority of the bilayer that forms cell membranes. These phospholipids have hydrophilic (water-attracting) heads and hydrophobic (water-repelling) tails, allowing them to form a stable barrier in the cell membrane. Other lipids, such as cholesterol and glycolipids, also play a role in the structure and function of cell membranes.

What is the key function for a cell membrane?

User Avatar

Asked by 3lsInAlOa

The key function of a cell membrane is to regulate the passage of molecules in and out of the cell. This selective permeability helps maintain the internal environment of the cell and allows it to communicate with its surroundings.

Do proteins prevent ions form crossing cell membranes true or false answer?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

False. Proteins in the cell membrane, such as ion channels and transporters, actually facilitate the movement of ions across the cell membrane. They play a crucial role in maintaining cellular function by regulating the passage of ions in and out of the cell.

What is the most common type of molecule present in the bacteria cell membranes?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

Phospholipids are the most common type of molecule present in bacterial cell membranes. They have a hydrophobic tail and a hydrophilic head, which allows them to form a lipid bilayer that makes up the cell membrane.

Why is the plasma membrane called a unit membrane?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

The plasma membrane is called a unit membrane because it is a single, distinct structure that separates the contents of the cell from its external environment. It is composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins, providing a barrier that regulates the passage of substances in and out of the cell.

No cell wall only plasma membrane?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

Cells without a cell wall are typically found in animal cells. These cells rely on their plasma membrane to provide structure and protection. The absence of a cell wall allows for more flexibility and movement in animal cells.

How would you describe the job of cell membrane?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

The cell membrane acts as a protective barrier that surrounds the cell, controlling what enters and exits the cell. It is composed of a lipid bilayer with embedded proteins that help in cell recognition and communication. The cell membrane also plays a role in maintaining cell shape and structure.

Do muscle cells contain Cell Membranes?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

Yes, muscle cells have cell membranes. Cell membranes are present in all types of cells, including muscle cells, and serve to protect and regulate the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

Oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged in lungs and through all cell membranes by?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs occurs through the process of diffusion, where oxygen moves from the air in the alveoli into the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide moves from the bloodstream into the alveoli to be exhaled. Similarly, in cells, oxygen moves from the bloodstream into cells for cellular respiration, and carbon dioxide moves from cells into the bloodstream to be transported back to the lungs for exhalation.

What is a membrane protein that allows specific charged molecules to pass through from one side of the membrane to another?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

Ion channel proteins are membrane proteins that allow specific charged ions, such as sodium, potassium, or calcium, to pass through from one side of the membrane to another. They play a critical role in maintaining cell function and communication.