Written Assignment Unit 3

 Briefly describe the structure of a eukaryotic plasma membrane, identifying at least

two component macromolecules and describing what their basic function is within the

membrane.

Compare to prokaryotic cells, eukaryotic cells are more complex, although both originate

from the same ancestor, both have cytoplasma, plasma membrane, and ribosomes. Plasma

membrane controls what goes in and out of the cell, organic molecules, ions, water, and

oxygen are those allowed to go in and out of the cell. Eukaryotic plasma membrane is a

phospholipid bilayer with proteins and cholesterol, the membrane is very elastic. Protein

and cholesterol are the two-component macromolecules that can be found in the plasma

membrane. Protein is acting as a communication officer for the cell, cell interact with the

environment via protein. Cholesterol is acting like a technician that regulates membrane

fluidity (Khan Academy, n.d.).

The plasma membrane protects the integrity of the interior of the cell by allowing certain

substances in, while keeping other substances out.

 Summarize the manner in which small molecules are permitted to pass through the

membrane ensuring you explain the difference between passive, facilitated, active,

and coupled transport by comparing and contrasting them.

Passive Does not require any energy from cell, and involves a substance

diffusing down its concentration gradient across a membrane (Khan

Academy, n.d.).
Facilitated Energy needed, molecules diffuse across the plasma membrane with
 Written Assignment Unit 3

helps from membrane proteins. From high concentration to low

concentration area (Lakna, 2017).

Active The cell expends energy (Khan Academy, n.d.).
Coupled Transport Energy is needed in transport of two substances, from low concentration

to high concentration area(Lakna, 2017).

Finally, explain the difference between endocytosis and exocytosis and provide an example of

a molecule (remembering to state its function) that is transferred using this method.

Endocytosis Exocytosis
Example and Transportation of iron-  Transportation of proteins and

function transferrins in receptor-mediated lipids use to repair the cell

endocytosis (Mokobi, 2021) membrane after exocytosis

 Transportation of glucagon and

insulin hormones from the pancreas

to the liver for breakdown and

utilization by the body depending

on body sugar levels.

 Transportation of chemical signals

between cells allowing cell

communication (Mokobi, 2021)

References:

Khan Academy. (n.d.). Cell structures and their functions. Khan Academy. Retrieved
November 30, 2021, from https://www.khanacademy.org/science/ap-biology/cell-
structure-and-function.
 Written Assignment Unit 3

Lakna. (2017, September 16). Difference between facilitated diffusion and active
transport: Definition, mechanism, function. Pediaa.Com. Retrieved November 29,
2021, from https://pediaa.com/difference-between-facilitated-diffusion-and-active-
transport/.

Mokobi, F. (2021, July 26). Endocytosis and exocytosis (endocytosis vs exocytosis).

Microbe Notes. Retrieved November 30, 2021, from
https://microbenotes.com/endocytosis-vs-exocytosis/.