Concept explainers
Which functions of a membrane would be compromised if the membrane consisted of a phospholipid bilayer without proteins? What about a membrane without phospholipids?
To determine: The functions of a membrane that would be compromised if the membrane consisted of phospholipid bilayer without proteins.
Introduction: The membrane protein refers to the type of protein that is either attached or linked to the cell membrane or the organelle. It constitutes an essential part of the cell membrane and performs various functions.
Explanation of Solution
The absence of proteins in the phospholipid will hamper the following functions of a membrane:
- In the membrane, protein works as an enzyme for catalyzation of the reaction. The absence of which will result in loss of catalysation function.
- Protein in the membrane acts as a receptor for molecules. In the absence of which the cells will receive the molecules.
- A protein present in the membrane works as a transporter for molecules both within the cell and outside the cell. The absence of which will result in loss of transportation function.
Hence, all the above-mentioned functions will be compromised if the membrane consisted of phospholipid bilayer without proteins.
To explain: A membrane without phospholipids.
Introduction: The membrane protein refers to the type of protein that is either attached or linked to the cell membrane or the organelle. It constitutes an essential part of the cell membrane and performs various functions.
Explanation of Solution
- Phospholipids act as a barrier and protect the various cell organelles present. In the absence of phospholipids, the molecules and other charged particles can easily invade the cell and affect its functioning.
- Phospholipids give a structure to the membrane of the cell. The absence of phospholipids will hamper the structure of the cell.
- The phospholipid permits lateral diffusion of lipids in the membrane. The absence of phospholipids will inhibit lateral diffusion of proteins and lipids
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 7 Solutions
Becker's World of the Cell (9th Edition)
- Which plasma membrane component can be either found on its surface or embedded in the membrane structure? a. protein b. cholesterol c. carbohydrate d. phospholipidarrow_forwardWhy is it advantageous for the cell membrane to be fluid in nature?arrow_forwardIn the fluid mosaic model: plasma membrane proteins orient their hydrophilic sides toward the internal bilayer. phospholipids often flip-flop between the inner and outer layers. the mosaic refers to proteins attached to the underlying cytoskeleton. the fluid refers to the phospholipid bilayer. the mosaic refers to the symmetry of the internal membrane proteins and sterols.arrow_forward
- No animal cell has a ______. a. plasma membrane b. flagellum c. lysosome d. cell wallarrow_forwardWhich of the following best describes a biological membrane? two layers of phospholipids with proteins embedded between the two layers two layers of phospholipids (with opposite orientations of the phospholipids in each layer) with each layer covered on the outside with proteins two layers of phospholipids with proteins either spanning the layers or on the surface of the layers a fluid structure in which phospholipids and proteins move freely between sides of the membrane a mixture of covalently linked phospholipids and proteins that determines which solutes can cross the membrane and which cannotarrow_forwardWhich of the following factors would tend to increase membrane fluidity? A greater proportion of unsaturated phospholipids A relatively high protein content in the membrane A greater proportion of saturated phospholipids A lower temperaturearrow_forward
- A cell that is missing this structure would not have a rigid structural support outside of its plasma membrane and would not be protected from exploding when placed in water. Name the structure and tell why. Then state which type of cell(s) have this structure.arrow_forwardWhich of the following statements related to intercellular junctions is false? Cadherins are important cell-cell adhesion proteins. A cadherin-mediated junction involves many cadherin molecules to achieve strong adhesion. The cytoplasmic domain of cadherins interacts with actin or intermediate filament cytoskeleton through adaptor proteins. Because tight junctions seal the membrane of adjacent epithelial cells, transmembrane proteins in the apical portion of the plasma membrane cannot move to the basal lateral domain or vice versa. Proteins can diffuse through an open gap junction.arrow_forwardWhat is unique about plasma membrane? Why is it advantageous for the plasma membrane to be fluid in nature? How does the sodium-potassium pump contribute to the net negative charge of the interior of the cell? In medicine, why is it important to administer only isotonic intravenous solutions to patients? Example of isotonic IV fluids are normal saline and lactated Ringer’s solution. Potassium is a necessary nutrient in order to maintain the function of our cells. What would occur to a person that is deficient in potassium?arrow_forward
- Which of the following molecules would you expect to diffuse through the lipid bilayer of a plasma membrane most rapidly? Na+ An amino acid Starch Glucose O2arrow_forwardWhat is the cause of the impermeability of plasma membranes to water-soluble molecules? Group of answer choices the nonpolar nature of water presence of phospholipid bilayer with a nonpolar/hydrophobic interior region presence of transmembrane proteins the presence of cellulosearrow_forwardThe plasma membrane consists mainly of: A Proteins embedded in a carbohydrate bilayer B Phospholipids embedded in a protein bilayer C Proteins embedded in a phospholipid bilayer D Proteins embedded in a polymer of glucose moleculesarrow_forward
- Concepts of BiologyBiologyISBN:9781938168116Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James WisePublisher:OpenStax CollegeHuman Biology (MindTap Course List)BiologyISBN:9781305112100Author:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillanPublisher:Cengage LearningBiology: The Dynamic Science (MindTap Course List)BiologyISBN:9781305389892Author:Peter J. Russell, Paul E. Hertz, Beverly McMillanPublisher:Cengage Learning
- Biology Today and Tomorrow without Physiology (Mi...BiologyISBN:9781305117396Author:Cecie Starr, Christine Evers, Lisa StarrPublisher:Cengage Learning