DEPARTMENT OF PURE & APPLIED

CHEMISTRY
Visca, Baybay City, Leyte, PHILIPPINES
Telefax: + 63 563-7747
Email: dopac@ vsu.edu.ph
Website: www.vsu.edu.ph

DEPARTMENT OF PURE AND APPLIED CHEMISTRY

VSU, Visca, Baybay City, Leyte
Name: Joseph Virgil J. Dagoro__ Schedule: Wednesday (2:00– 5:00) ______
Instructor: _ Elizabeth S. Quevedo Activity: Module 4. (Assessment)_____

1. Describe the three major types of lipids in cell membranes.

The three major types of membrane lipids are phospholipids, cholesterol, and glycolipids. The
phospholipids create the phospholipid bilayer. Cholesterol helps secure important proteins inside
the membrane. Glycolipids form hydrogen bonds with water molecules and stabilize the
membrane structure.

2. Briefly discuss the regulatory functions of messenger lipids: steroid hormones and
eicosanoids.

The messenger lipids, in their esterified form can infiltrate membranes and are transported to
carry signals to other cells. These may bind to certain proteins as well and are inactive until they
reach the site of action and encounter the appropriate receptor.

Steroid hormones are cyclical chemical compounds made up of rings of carbon atoms that play
an essential role in a wide range of physiological functions, including growth, development,
energy metabolism, homeostasis and reproduction.

Eicosanoids are involved in vasodilation and vasoconstriction, promotion of sleep, pain and
fever. They pay a role in up- or down-regulating inflammatory cytokines.

3. What is the function of cholesterol in the cell membrane?

Cholesterol plays has a role in membrane fluidity but it's most important function is in reducing
the permeability of the cell membrane. Cholesterol helps to restrict the passage of molecules by
increasing the packing of phospholipids.
 DEPARTMENT OF PURE & APPLIED
CHEMISTRY
Visca, Baybay City, Leyte, PHILIPPINES
Telefax: + 63 563-7747
Email: dopac@ vsu.edu.ph
Website: www.vsu.edu.ph

4. Draw an "aging" cell membrane. Label the components.

5. Illustrate the cleansing action of soap or detergent.