Chapter 5 Membrane Structure and Function Reading Questions

1. How does cholesterol play a role in the function of the cell membrane?

Cholesterol, a lipid, preserves the permeability and integrity of the plasma membrane. It stiffens the
membrane at higher temperatures and protects the membrane from freezing by keeping the tails apart.

2. Dietary cholesterol is often made out to be very bad for your health. How might a significant
decrease in cholesterol affect your cell membranes?

The cell membranes may do fine in room temperature, but when the individual experiences
significant heat or cold, there is an increased risk of the cell membrane bringing in too much
substance or too little substance, respectively. Thus, the cells may die, causing the individual’s
homeostasis to be at risk.

3. What are the different types of proteins associated with the cell membrane (name and
function)?

Channel proteins form a passageway through the cell membrane that allows substances to pass into the
cell. Significantly, they transport hydrogen ions, which assist in ATP production. They do not require ATP.

Carrier proteins, upon receiving a substance, change its shape, which allows the substance to move
across the membrane. Significantly, they transport sodium and potassium ions, which assist in nerve
impulse conduction. During active transport, carrier proteins use ATP.

Cell recognition proteins recognize pathogens in the body, helping the immune system work.

Receptor proteins are specialized to a single molecule, so that when it binds to the protein, it will change
shape and perform a specified function. This is shown in the liver when it receives signals from insulin to
store glucose.

Enzymatic proteins are enzymes which carry out metabolic reactions in the cell membrane.

Junction proteins regulate the entrance of certain molecules in a more timely manner than the cell
membrane.

4. Compare how cells transport polar and nonpolar molecules across the membrane.

Nonpolar molecules are able to cross the cell membrane without any ATP, but polar molecules are
unable to cross the cell membrane without ATP.

5. Explain how water can move rapidly across the membrane.

A type of channel protein called aquaporin allows water to move more rapidly across a cell membrane.

6. Contrast diffusion with facilitated transport.

Whereas diffusion of a molecule solely requires it to move from a high to low concentration of solute,
facilitated transport requires this condition and the assistance of a channel or carrier protein.

7. Compare facilitated transport with active transport.

Facilitated transport requires molecules to move from a high to low concentration of solute and the
assistance of a channel or carrier protein, while active transport requires carrier proteins and ATP, with
no requirements over the concentration gradient.

8. How do exocytosis and endocytosis change the cell membrane surface area?

Exocytosis occurs when a vesicle within the cell fuses with the plasma membrane while secretion is
occurring, adding surface area to the membrane. Endocytosis occurs when a substance is entering the
cell, in which the plasma membrane “buds” off and envelopes the substance, decreasing the surface
area of the cell.

9. Describe the molecular composition of the extracellular matrix of an animal cell.

The ECM consists of proteins, polysaccharides, and mineral salts.

Collagen fibers and elastin fibers contribute to the structural integrity of the cell. Fibronectin binds the
ECM to the plasma membrane. Polysaccharides such as proteoglycans assist in signaling and migrating
cell components. Calcium salts are deposited throughout the cell membrane.

10. How is a plant’s primary cell wall different than its secondary cell wall?

The primary cell wall contains cellulose fibrils for structure and Pectins for flexibility. It also contains
polysaccharides to harden the cell wall once the cell matures. The secondary wall has more cellulose
fibrils than the primary wall, and often contains Lignin for integrity.

11. Compare the size of molecules allowed passage in a gap junction v. plasmodesmata.

While gap junctions allow small molecules and ions to pass through, plasmodesmata allow only water
and small solutes to pass through.