1. Cell Biology (Core) – 1.

3 Membrane structure

Name:

Understandings, Applications and Skills (This is what you maybe assessed on)

Statement Guidance
1.3.U1 Phospholipids form bilayers in water due to the Amphipathic phospholipids have
amphipathic properties of phospholipid hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties.
molecules.

1.3.U2 Membrane proteins are diverse in terms of

structure, position in the membrane and function.

1.3.U3 Cholesterol is a component of animal cell membranes.

1.3.A1 Cholesterol in mammalian membranes reduces

membrane fluidity and permeability to some solutes.

1.3.S1 Drawing of the fluid mosaic model. Drawings of the fluid mosaic model of
membrane structure can be two
dimensional rather than three
dimensional. Individual phospholipid
molecules should be shown using the
symbol of a circle with two parallel lines
attached. A range of membrane proteins
should be shown
including glycoproteins.
1.3.S2 Analysis of evidence from electron microscopy that led
to the proposal of the Davson-Danielli model.

1.3.S3 Analysis of the falsification of the Davson-Danielli

model that led to the Singer-Nicolson model.

Recommended resources:
http://www.bioknowledgy.info/13-membrane-structure.html

Allott, Andrew. Biology: Course Companion. S.l.: Oxford UP, 2014. Print.

http:// (Chris Paine)

 1. Define the term plasma membrane.

A cell’s enclosing membrane that is partially permeable. Also known as a cell membrane. Because it is
made up of two layers of phospholipids, it is known as a phospholipid bilayer.

1.3.U1 Phospholipids form bilayers in water due to the amphipathic properties of phospholipid
molecules.

 If a molecule is attracted to water it is said to be hydrophilic.

 If a molecule is repelled by water it is said to be hydrophobic.
 Phospholipids are unusual because part of a phospholipid molecule is hydrophilic and
part is hydrophobic. Molecules with this property are described as amphipathic.

2. Draw a diagram of a single phospholipid molecule. Label the hydrophobic and hydrophilic
sections.

3. Explain how hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties of the phospholipid bilayer allow a
membrane to maintain its structure.

Because the plasma membrane is composed of a phospholipid bilayer, it allows the membrane to
both move and bend without cracking or tearing the membrane due to its properties
(hydrophobic and hydrophilic poles) of the bilayer, it is referred to as a fluid mosaic model.

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 1.3.S1 Drawing of the fluid mosaic model.

4. Draw and label a simplified (2D) diagram of the plasma

membrane.
Include: phospholipid bilayer, integral and peripheral proteins, glycoproteins and cholesterol.

1.3.S2 Analysis of evidence from electron microscopy that led to the proposal of the Davson-Danielli
model. AND Nature of Science: Using models as representations of the real world - there are
alternative models of membrane structure. (1.11)

5. Models help us to understand natural process and structures. Outline the structure of the
Davson- Danielli model of the cell membrane.

On the tips of the hydrophobic heads are proteins.

6. Why was the model proposed, what did it help explain?

The Davson-Danielli model explained why membranes, despite their thinness, act as an efficient barrier to the
passage of certain chemicals.

7. Describe the evidence from electron microscopy, such as the

image to the right, that supported this model.

A lipid bilayer, proteins coat the outside surface, and proteins do not permeate the lipid bilayer, according to
electron microscope research.

http://w w w.cytochemistry.net/cell-biology/EMview .jpg

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 1.3.S3 Analysis of the falsification of the Davson-Danielli model that led to the Singer-Nicolson
model. AND Nature of Science: Falsification of theories with one theory being superseded by another
- evidence falsified the Davson-Danielli model. (1.9)

8. Outline how the electron micrograph image to

the right was obtained and why it undermines
the Davson-Danielli model of the cell
membrane.

- The fracture occurs across areas of weakness,

such as the membrane's core.
- Within the phosopholipid bilayer, the fracture displays an uneven rough surface.
- Transmembrane proteins were deduced from the globular forms.

9. Improvements in biochemical techniques allowed proteins to be extracted from membranes.

How did insights gained from these techniques undermine the Davson-Danielli model?

The findings of these approaches cast doubt on the Davson-Danielli hypothesis, requiring a new paradigm to explain
the occurrence of trans-membrane proteins.

10. Fluorescent antibody tagging used red or green fluorescent markers attached to antibodies which
would bind to membrane proteins on the surface of the cell membrane. What did experiments with
the markers find out and what conclusions could be drawn from them?

It demonstrated that membrane proteins can move freely throughout the membrane rather than being
stuck in a peripheral layer.

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 11. Outline the Singer-Nicholson fluid mosaic model of the cell membrane.

The Singer-Nicholson fluid mosaic model of the cell membrane has the following main features:

- phospholipid molecules form a bilayer, and phospholipids are fluids that flow laterally.
- Peripheral proteins are attached to the membrane's outer or inner surface.
- Integral proteins penetrate the membrane's surface.
- The membrane is made up of phospholipids and proteins in a fluid mosaic.
- Proteins can migrate laterally across membranes.

Protein channel (transport protein), globular protein, glycoprotein, carbohydrate, and other components of the
Singer-Nicholson fluid mosaic model

n.b. a widely accepted model was falsified when new evidence came to light. It would be wise to
assume that the current fluid mosaic model will at least be modified or even possibly rejected in
favour of a new model in time.

1.3.U2 Membrane proteins are diverse in terms of structure, position in the membrane and function.

http://www.ib.bioninja.com.au/_Media/tracie_med.jpeg

12. List the six main functions of the membrane proteins.

Transport: protein pumps and (facilitated) protein channels (active).

Receptors: hormones made up of peptides (insulin, glucagon, etc.)
Anchorage: extracellular matrix and cytoskeleton attachments.
Cell Recognition: Antigens and MHC proteins.
Intercellular Joinings: plasmodesmata and tight connections.
Enzymatic Activity: routes of metabolism (e.g. electron transport chain).

13. State the functions of glycoproteins found in the plasma membrane

-proteins having an oligosaccharide chain attached 

-essential for the immune system's identification of cells as hormone receptors

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 1.3.U3 Cholesterol is a component of animal cell membranes.

14. Cholesterol is a type of lipid, but it is not a fat or oil. What group does it belong to?

A steroid.

15. Cholesterol makes up around about 20% of the mass of cell membranes. This percentage varies
greatly and some membranes, e.g. bacteria, do not contain it at all.

a. Where in the plasma membrane can cholesterol be found?

Cholesterol is present on the membrane's perimeter, connected to the phosphate heads.

b. What properties cause it to be located in this position?

Because the hydroxyl groups are polar and hydrophilic, they are drawn to the heads.

1.3.A1 Cholesterol in mammalian membranes reduces membrane fluidity and permeability to some
solutes.

The hydrophobic hydrocarbon tails usually behave as a liquid. Hydrophilic phosphate heads act
more like a solid. Though it is difficult to determine whether the membrane is truly either a solid or
liquid it can definitely be said to be fluid. It is important to regulate the degree of fluidity in order that:
 It needs to be fluid enough that the cell can move
 It needs to be fluid enough that the required substances can move across the membrane
 If too fluid however the membrane could not effectively restrict the movement of substances
across itself.

16. The presence of cholesterol in the membrane restricts the movement of phosolipids and
other molecules. How does this affect the physical properties of the membrane?
It improves flexibility by preventing the tails from crystallizing and acting solidly.

17. The presence of cholesterol disrupts the regular packing of the of the hydrocarbon tails of
phospholipid molecules. What impact does this have on the physical properties of the
membrane?
It has an effect on the membrane's physical characteristics because it reduces membrane fluidity.

18. What chemical properties of the membrane are affected by

cholesterol?

Hydrophilic/water soluble molecules and ions, such as sodium and

hydrogen, have less permeability.

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 19. Cholestrol also encourages the membrane to take on a concave shape. What structures and
processes does this aid?

It assists the cell, or vesicle, in moving around and allowing the bend to occur so that the tails do not come
into contact with water.

Citations:

Allott, Andrew. Biology: Course Companion. S.l.: Oxford UP, 2014. Print.

Cornell, Brent. 2.4 Membranes. Web. 24 Aug. 2014. <http://www.ib.bioninja.com.au/standard-level/topic-2-

cells/24- membranes.html>.

Taylor, Stephen. "Essential Biology 02.4 Membranes.docx." Web. 24 Aug. 2014.

<https://app.box.com/shared/1nhjmfssdq>.

http:// (Chris Paine)