1. Membranes and Their Functions Essay
Membranes and Their Functions
Membranes form boundaries both around the cell (the plasma membrane) and around distinct sub
cellular compartments (e.g. nucleus, mitochondria, lysosomes, etc.). They act as selectively
permeable barriers allowing the inside environment of the cell or the organelle to differ from that
outside. Membranes are involved in signaling processes; they contain specified receptors for
external stimuli and are involved in both chemical and electrical signal generation. All membranes
contain two basic components: lipids (mainly phospholipids) and proteins. Some membranes also
contain carbohydrate. The decomposition of lipid, protein, and carbohydrates vary from one
membrane ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
These proteins also assist the active transport of materials across the membrane and could act as
energy transducers or electron carriers. Also contained in the membrane in between the hydrophobic
tails are steroids; cholesterol, which makes the membrane fluid at higher temperatures but more
fluid at lower temperatures so as to maintain the structure of the membrane (more stable). It also
acts as a plug, reducing even further the escape or entry of polar molecules through the membrane.
The channel proteins in the membrane are involved in the selective transport of polar molecules and
ions across the membrane e.g. water.
In short, phospholipids provide the basic structure of membranes and restrict the entry and exit of
polar molecules and ions. However, the main function of the membrane is to obtain nutrients,
excrete waste substances, secrete useful substances, and generate the ionic gradients essential for
nervous and muscular activity and to maintain a suitable pH and ionic concentration within the cell
for enzyme activity. All these are done through the movement of substances across the cell surface
membrane through either passive, active or glucose transport. The movement of molecules across a
membrane by passive transport does not require an input of metabolic energy. The molecule moves
from a high concentration to a lower concentration. The rate of
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2.
3. An Example Of Diffusion Of The Plasma Membrane
I. Introduction There's not much that comes to mind when it's time for that first cup of coffee in the
morning except hoping that it's strong enough to stimulate the mind for the time being. This real life
scenario is an example of diffusion. Simple right? When cream is poured into coffee it remains
heavily concentrated in the area it was poured at and eventually spreads throughout it. The more the
coffee is stirred the quicker the cream spreads even more. Sugar would do the same thing as well.
This is an example of how the interstitial fluids work within the bodies of humans. Interstitial fluids
that enclose in on a cell would be the cell membrane or the plasma membrane's doing. It creates a
barrier between the internal fluids and the exterior environment. When the body moves, the
diffusing of the molecules within it accelerates. The plasma membrane is made up of many
substances, like salts, vitamins, nutrients, waste products, etc... The plasma membrane dictates what
enters and makes sure it's sufficient. It blocks out the other substances that isn't needed. Also it
happens to be selectively permeable. This means either the molecules progress on without a hassle
or there may be a little difficulty to progress on. Materials traverse through the membrane by two
methods, which are called passive process and active process. In this lab passive process is part of
the main focus. Energy from the cell isn't a necessity when it comes to passive process. The word
diffuse
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4.
5. The Membrane And Cytoplasmic Membranes
The plasma membrane and cytoplasmic membranes of plants, like those of animal cells, are
composed of lipids and proteins that are often glycosylated. Likewise, the composition from one
membrane type to another is highly diverse. There is some evidence to suggest that the composition,
particularly of the lipid component, may change in response to environmental conditions such as
temperature, water stress, etc. as well as during growth, development and ultimately senescence of
the cell. It is believed that these changes are required to adjust the physical characteristics of
membrane structures so that they may perform their necessary physiological tasks when
environmental factors change. If the environmental conditions are altered beyond the ... Show more
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In this review the importance of lipid phase behaviour is discussed in the context of membrane
stability at different temperatures.
The dark red and purple pigments in beetroot are located in the cell vacuole and are chemical
compounds called 'betalains'. The pigments cannot pass through membranes, but can pass through
the cellulose cell walls if the membranes are disrupted – by heat (for example cooking) or after a
long period pickled in vinegar.
Method:
First collect a cylinder of beetroot by pushing the corer into the beetroot and withdrawing it. The
cylinder remains inside the corer– so push it out with the end of a pencil.
Collect 6 cylinders, with the pieces of 5 cm long with a segregated knife.
The beetroot was cut to 5cm. Because the beetroot has been cut some of the cell membranes had
been broken, which means some anthocyanin will leak out. This must be completely washed off in
order to maintain the reliability of the results.
The water must then be heated to 70oC (the first temperature for the experiment)
Once the water is at the correct temperature (measured using the thermometer), one piece of
beetroot is placed into the hot water, in a test tube, directly and left for exactly 2 minute (using a
stopwatch).
This procedure will be repeated with the other 5 pieces of beetroot and the temperature should be
changed accordingly. The temperatures will be
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6.
7. Cell Membrane Structure
1 – Describe the normal structure and functioning of cell membranes, and explain how they compare
to the membranes relating to a specific abnormality in cystic fibrosis?
All cells have a cell membrane. The structure of membranes is formed from a double layer of
phospholipids with proteins floating in it. The proteins are embedded on the surface and inside or
bridge the double layers of phospholipids. This structure is called a mosaic model. The main
function of cell membranes is to provide protection and support for the cell and they also control
what enter and exit the cell to maintain internal balance, called homeostasis. There are two types of
a membrane protein: integral proteins and peripheral proteins. The integral membrane proteins are ...
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The cystic fibrosis affects the exocrine gland, which are organs that secrete mucus. It normally
produces thin, slippery secretions such as mucus, sweat, tears and digestive juice. The organs can be
affected by cystic fibrosis are sweat glands, respiratory system, digestive system and reproductive
system.
Sweat glands: The individual who suffers from cystic fibrosis, the amount of body salts lost in the
sweat are higher than the normal people. This can cause problems during times of increased
sweating. Such as hot weather.
Respiratory system: The lining of the respiratory tract which made of tiny, hair– like cells called the
cilia. Their function is to keep the lung clean and clear from foreign substances and mucus. The
person who suffers from cystic fibrosis, the cilia can not easily remove the thick and sticky mucus
out of the air passages in the lung. The mucus clogs the air passages, causing a chronic cough and
lung infections. Repeated of lung infections can lead to damage to the lung and leading to not get
enough oxygen into the body.
Digestive system: The thick and sticky mucus blocks the pancreatic ducts and preventing the
enzymes from reaching in the small intestine to digest food. The result is incomplete digestion and
poor absorption of food
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8.
9. Plasma Membrane Worksheet
Natalie Banc
Membrane Transport Across the Plasma Membrane
To complete this worksheet, select:
Module: Foundations
Activity: Animations
Title: Transport Across the Plasma Membrane
Introduction
1. Briefly describe each of the following plasma membrane functions.
a. importing – needed for continuation, of the metabolic processes of the cell. It is also needed for
normal cell function. (example: taking in organic molecules and salts).
b. exporting – sends molecules out of the cell after they are created (example: cell secretions).
c. communicating – when a substance from one cell generatesthe transport of chemicals across the
plasma membrane of another cell. This may make action potential possible.
Types of Transport
2. Describe ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The water concentration inside the cell is higher so the direction of osmosis will be away from the
cell and water leaves the cell.
Primary Active Transport
8. Describe primary active transport mechanisms using the sodium–potassium pump as an example.
A membrane pump used to maintain electrochemical gradients in neurons. Requires ATP.
Secondary Active Transport 9. a. Define secondary active transport. Uses previously fixed gradient
of Na+ or hydrogen ions to move other chemicals.
b. How does secondary active transport maintain low calcium concentrations in the cytosol and/or
absorption of nutrients into cell?
In many cells antiporters move calcium out of the cell while sodium drifts in. This sustains the low
calcium concentration in the cytosol.
Endocytosis
10. Contrast each of the following types of endocytosis and describe how each is used by cells.
10. Phagocytosis – A familiar form of endocytosis. It is known as the eating cell. It helps keep the body
safe against disease. Once the pseudopod surrounds particulate matter such as bacteria it pinches off
into a vesicle. The vesicle binds with a lysosome where the bacteria will be
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11.
12. Cell Membrane Diffusion
The cell membrane surrounds the cytoplasm of a cell and is the barrier as to what can and cannot
pass through the cell. The cell membrane acts as a barrier and is one of the many key factors for
supporting life, without it diffusion and osmosis would not be able to occur. The barrier is
selectively/partially permeable and regulates what enters and exits the cell, therefore facilitating the
transport of materials needed for survival. There is two processes in which substances are carried
across the membrane, either passive transport or active transport. Passive transport transpires
without the input of cellular energy albeit Active Transport requires cells to expend energy to move
the substance across the barrier. The cell membrane also maintains cell potential.
The images above display the cell membrane structure, the ... Show more content on
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Equilibrium is the state of properties in a solution diffusing at an equal rate in both directions. The
process is generally slow but is affected by heat. Therefore for example, there was a glass of equal
amounts cold water and another of hot, a small amount of cordial was poured into both and the rate
of diffusion was timed. You would find the hot cordial reached equilibrium must faster than the
cold. This is due to atoms are driven by kinetic energy so the rate of movement (speed) is dependent
on temperature, the higher the temperature, the faster the reaction and therefore the lower the
temperature, the slower the reaction. In addition molecules will always move from condensed areas
of concentration to areas of low concentration. Simple diffusion is classified as a means of passive
transport; a hydrophobic molecule will move and be able to proceed into the hydrophobic region of
the membrane without being rejected. In real life an example of diffusion being essential for
survival is the respiratory
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13.
14. The Effect Of Plasma On The Membrane Performance
Introduction When put under stress, at some point materials begin to decline and perform poorly.
Cell membranes are no different. The specific design and structure of plasma membranes allows for
the regular function of cells through transportation, facilitating reactions, and several other tasks
carried out by the cell membrane and endomembrane system. When put under physical or chemical
stress, however, the plasma membrane begins to falter and will eventually become unable to
perform its tasks, which are necessary to cell life. Using beet root tissue, the relationship between
membrane performance and temperature was tested. 3 samples of beet were prepared and placed in a
50% methanol solution and exposed to temperatures above, below, and at room temperature. The
membrane's performance in repelling an unwanted solution in adverse conditions was measured by
the amount of damaged membranes, which resulted in increases in released pigments. This lab's
hypothesis is: varying temperature will have an inverse effect on the membrane performance. The
membrane will perform more poorly under increased heat than increased cold, but both changes in
temperature will negatively affect the performance of the membrane. This will be measured by
amount of light reflected by the spectrophotometer, reflecting how much pigment was given off, and
therefore how many membranes were compromised. The independent variable is the temperature the
sample is put through, and the controlled variables
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15.
16. Cell Membrane Permeability
Only uncharged, small, polar molecules, (such as water) and hydrophobic molecules, (such as
oxygen, carbon dioxide) and lipid–soluble molecules (such as hydrocarbons) can freely pass across
the membrane. All ions and large polar molecules (such as glucose) are not permeable to the
membrane.
Membrane structure
The plasma membrane maintains dynamic homeostasis by separating the internal metabolic events
of the cell from its external environment and controlling the movement of materials into and out of
the cell. The membrane is a double phospholipid membrane, also referred to as a phospholipid
bilayer, and has polar hydrophilic ("water loving") phosphate heads around the outside and non
polar hydrophobic ("water fearing") fatty acid tails on the inside of the membrane. Slight variations
in these structure of the fatty acids in the membrane alter the fluidity of the membrane.
Phospholipids with saturated fatty acid pack more tightly, because of the nature of their single
carbon bonds. This leads to a more rigid membrane. Unsaturated fatty acids, which have double
carbon bonds, limit packing and result in a more flexible membrane. Cholesterol molecules
distributed throughout the phospholipid bilayer provide some stability to the plasma membranes of
animal cells. At higher temperatures the cholesterol molecules allow the membrane to be firmer, at
lower temperatures they allow for flexibility.
Fig. 1
Proteins
The mosaic nature of the proteins scattered within the phospholipid
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17.
18. Describe The Semipermeability Of The Cell Membrane
The membrane around the cells in the body is the boundary that keeps them from reaching the
surroundings on the outside. It allows for certain substances to pass through to the cells rather than
others, and it contains proteins and lipids such as phospholipids (cholesterol) (Erster 3). The
simplest membranes are known as a phospholipid bilayer, given that there are two layers containing
hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails allowing the membrane to have its semipermeability. The
tails on both layers face the inside towards each other, while the heads are on the outside (Erster 4).
They have a fluidity to it, being able to move from side to side, and rarely flip due to having to
move through areas that are hydrophobic (afraid of water) and hydrophilic (attracted to water) since
it would take a lot of energy to do so (Erster 10). ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Lipid rafts are a kind of membrane domain that have a specific structure and job. The whole domain
does not detach from the membrane. The closest thing to becoming loose is when the temperature
goes down, increasing the fluidity of the membrane (Erster 12,13).
B) Choice B is incorrect. These regions cannot flip inside out. In a simple membrane, the lipids
move from side to side, and there can sometimes be a flip in the bilayer between the top and bottom
layer's hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails, but that in itself takes a lot of energy to do (as
explained above)(Erster 10). There is no way to flip the region inside out.
C) Choice C is correct. The fluidity of the membrane can change overtime depending on the
temperature. As explained in my falsification of choice A, as temperature goes down, the membrane
becomes more fluid, and the tails become unsaturated to keep the phospholipids from tightening up
(Erster
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19.
20. The Membrane And Its Effects On Human Development
It is generally accepted that resting CaMKIIβ bundles and stabilizes actin cytoskeleton. Transient
activation of CaMKIIβ relaxes cytoskeleton, promotes actin polymerization and CaMKIIβ
recruitment, and favors cytoskeleton growth. This model has been shown in both synaptogenesis
(Okamoto et al., 2007) and OL maturation (Waggener et al., 2013). Based on this theory, we
proposed that prolonged CaMKIIβ activation by NMDA–R–mediated Ca2+ influx leads to
destabilization of actin cytoskeleton and membrane disintegration in mature OLs. Although our
experiments unambiguously showed that NMDA–R activation results in CaMKIIβ activation, direct
proof that links CaMKIIβ activation and membrane reduction are lacking. All the existing CaMKIIβ
inhibitors ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
As mentioned in chapter 5, a repeated measure experiment using OLs from CaMKIIβA303R mice
will be the best way to investigate this question. The CaMKIIβA303R mutant retains its ability to
bundle F–actin, but loses its Ca2+/CaM binding capacity. Based on our proposed model, Tat–
induced [Ca2+]i increase should have no effect on OL membrane area since Ca2+/CaM can not bind
and activate CaMKIIβA303R, and promotes its release from actin cytoskeleton.
Most of our experiments are done in mice cells. Since HIV is a human disease, we used an hBrnAgg
model to try to verify our finding in human cells. We thought that the hBrnAgg model serves our
experiments best because 1) it mimics the in vivo environment with the presence of all major CNS
cell types, 2) myelination has been observed in the model by other investigators, thus fulfill the
needs of studying effect of HIV/Tat on both OLs and myelin, and 3) the hBrnAgg model can be
maintained for a long period of time (up to 60 days), made it a good model to study long–term effect
of HIV/Tat.
Our immunostaining experiments suggested that there are far less OLs in the aggregates than we
expected. Under EM, plenty of synaptic structures, both symmetric and asymmetric, were observed
in the hBrnAgg. However, cells with typical mature OL characteristics, including dark cytoplasm
and nucleus, elongated, thin strands of endoplasmic reticulum; numerous mitochondria, and stacks
of Golgi apparatus, were rarely
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21.
22. The Membrane Of A Eukaryotic Cell
A eukaryotic cell not only has a plasma membrane as its external boundary, but it also has a variety
of membranes that divide its interior into discrete partitions, separating processes and cell
mechanisms (National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2012). The complex and varied design
of the phospholipid bilayer allows the membrane to serve the variety of specific functions required
by different types of cells. Moreover, one of the most significant properties of membranes is
selective permeability; permitting the passage and movement of ions and molecules to pass freely
through the membrane, but excludes others from doing so (Ek–Vitorin and Burt, 2013). One type of
membrane–bound vacuole is found in plant cells, the tonoplast is quite large and contains water
(Dee, 2000). Within Beta vulgaris cells, the membrane bound vacuole also contains a red, water
soluble pigment, known as betacyanin, that provides the beetroot with its characteristic colour
(Nottingham, 2004). As the pigment is water soluble, it remains in the vacuole of the cell, however
if the integrity of the membrane is disrupted (through direct chemical damage, channel damage,
injury via viruses, etc.) the contents of the vacuole will diffuse out into the surrounding environment
(Andrews, Almeida and Corrotte, 2014). Through practical analysis, the effects of various chemicals
on membrane permeability in B.vulgaris was observed through the utilization of various
concentrations of ethanol – 0%, 35% and 70%
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23.
24. The Membrane And The Cell Membrane
Every living thing is made up of cells. Many cells differ in size or shape and have different functions
that they are required to carry out to sustain life. A structural feature in cells is the plasma
membrane, which surrounds the cell and protects it from anything dangerous around it. The plasma
membrane is able to do this because it is selectively permeable. This means that the plasma
membrane decides what comes in and goes out of the cell. This allows it to keep the important
nutrients it needs as well as allowing those nutrients to enter and at the same time keeping or
discarding anything that could harm the cell (Marieb, Smith 40).
The nucleus carries the DNA and genes of the cell. The DNA basically tells the cell what protein to
make which can affect the type of transport used. DNA is also very important for cell division (when
a cell divides to make cells identical to it). Every cell has organelles. Organelles preside in the
cytoplasm and each have a specific function. For example, the mitochondrion is an organelle where
ATP is produced which is needed for active transport.
There are two different types of processes that are used to allow substances to get through the
plasma membrane. The first type is passive process which is the differences in
concentration/pressure inside and outside of the cell. The two parts of passive processes are
diffusion and filtration. Diffusion also has two different types, simple and facilitated. This is easy to
remember because simple
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25.
26. Functions Of A Cell Membrane
The cell is a basic unit of life. All living organisms are made up of cells. Cells are vital to maintain
life and to allow reproduction. Each cell is separated from its surrounding environment by a cell
membrane and acts as a barrier. The cell membrane is a cell's most essential organelle. Cell
membranes are composed of four different types of molecules; phospholipids, cholesterol, proteins
and carbohydrates. The main function of a cell membrane is to control which substances can move
in and out of the cell. Different organisms have different cell membranes.
The phospholipids create the basic structure of a cell membrane. A phospholipid has two separate
ends; a head and a tail end. The head of the phospholipid is known as hydrophilic, ... Show more
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Diffusion only occurs when there is a concentration gradient. This means when a particular type of
molecule is not spread out at an even concentration, but either exists in a higher concentration. The
concentration gradient in regards to the movement of molecules (except water) always moves from
high concentration to low concentration. Diffusion across cell membranes can occur in three main
ways. The way in which it diffuses is depended on whether the molecules are small or large, and
whether the molecules have already been concentrated. When really small molecules appear they are
able to fit into a protein channel that is in the plasma membrane. This process of crossing the
membrane can occur either by passive transport of active transport. When molecules are too big to
fit through any channels, then they enter the cells by moving in a vesicle or by pumping, and this
process is called active transport. When a molecule is crossing the membrane through passive
transport, it is doing this because no extra energy needs to be used to get the molecule across the
membrane. However when active transport is occurring this is because extra energy needs to be
applied. Active transport can be done in two different ways, either by using pumps or using vesicles.
Active transport using pumps moves small molecules against the concentration gradient. This is why
there is extra energy needed. The pumps push molecules from areas of low concentration to high
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27.
28. Cell Membrane Lab Report
Cell membranes regulate the chemicals that go out or stay inside a cell. This lab tested these
functions to see how the cell membrane regulates the chemicals that pass through it. The membrane
tries to achieve equilibrium on both sides by sending some chemicals to the outside or inside to get
the same amount of each chemical. Dialysis tubing was used as a cell membrane.
The cell membrane was simulated by dialysis tubing. The tubing was folded, wetted and tied to
allow it to look like a cell. It was then filled ⅔ by starch solution, tied shut and wetted from the
outside. It was then placed into a beaker with ½ water and enough iodine to give the water a yellow–
type colour. Observations of the tubing were recorded at the initial stage, after 15 minutes and after
a 48 hour period. ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
It was very easy to see that there was no colour inside the tubing but outside, it was a yellow–type
colour due to the water and iodine solution. After 15 minutes, the colour of the contents in the tubing
had changed. It was now a navy blue and black colour. However, this colour was mainly in the top
area of the tube (closer to the surface of the water). The solution in the beaker had also changed
colour. The bolder yellow colour had changed into a much lighter yellow. After 48 hours, the inside
of the tubing had completely changed colour as the entire thing was a very navy blue and black. The
contents of the beaker had turned into a very clear substance with a yellowish colour on the bottom
of the beaker. There was also a lot of bubbles on the bottom, where the yellowish colour was, as
well as near the middle of the
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29.
30. Investigate the Effect of Temperature on Cell Membranes...
Investigate the Effect of Temperature on Cell Membranes and Membrane Structure
If you read a recipe for cooked beetroot it will usually recommend that you don't remove the outer
skin of the beetroot and don't cut off al the stalk and root if you want to avoid getting lots of red dye
in the cooking water. Beetroot contains red pigments called betalains, located within the cell
vacuole. Normally the pigments can't pass through membranes but they leak out when the beetroot
is cooked.
Aim – The aim of this practical is to use beetroot to examine the effect of the temperature on cell
membranes and relate the effects observed to membrane structure. To function correctly a cell needs
to be able to control transport across the ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The polar heads lie at both surfaces, the kind of three–dimensional enclosed structure shown above
can form. The real shape tends to be globular (minimizing surface to volume ratio), and there are so
many more bipolar molecule pairs than shown here that the radius of curvature lacks the kind of
strain and distortion shown at the corners of this drawing.
A membrane is a phospholipid bilayer studded with proteins, polysaccharides and other sorts of
lipids. This patchwork of molecules is like a mosaic. Because the molecules move about within their
respective layer, the membrane behaves like a fluid. This is why the model is called the Fluid–
mosaic model.
There have been many theories as to the nature of the cell membrane.
In 1935 Daniellie and Davson put forward a possible structure, which was widely accepted. Their
model was composed of a double lipid layer coated on each side by protein. They Estimated that the
membrane was so thick, with the introduction of the electron microscope, membranes could be
clearly seen for the first time. Plasma membranes of both animal and plant cells showed a
characteristic three–layered
(trilarninar) appearance.
As we apply heat on to the beetroot, this denatures the proteins creating "holes" in the membrane
allowing pigment to be leeched out.
The denaturing of the proteins incorporated with the added kinetic energy added to the
polysaccharides allows pigment to be
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31.
32. The Membrane Of The Cell Membrane Essay
The cell membrane consists of eight distinctive parts that each have their own unique structure and
function. The phospholipid bilayer is an integral part of the cell membrane because it is the external
layer of the cell membrane and composes the barriers that isolate the internal cell components and
organelles from the extracellular environment. It is composed of a series of phospholipids that have
a hydrophobic region and a hydrophilic region. These regions are composed of the hydrophilic
heads and the hydrophobic tails of the phospholipids, this organization of the polar heads and
nonpolar tails allows the heads of the cell to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules while the
tails are able to avoid water. The phospholipid bilayer also has many important functions within the
cell, it gives the cell shape, provides protection, and it is selectively permeable which allows it to
only let very specific molecules pass through its surface. The phospholipid bilayer is an important
structure because it prevents harmful and unwanted molecules from entering the cell and isolates
organelles which helps to maintain the internal environmental homeostasis of the cell.
Another vital component of the cell membrane are the integral proteins. Integral proteins are
embedded within the phospholipid bilayer, these proteins are typically transmembrane proteins
which means that one end extends to the exterior of the cell while the other connects to the interior.
Integral proteins are
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33.
34. Membrane Lab: Diffusion And Osmosis
In the What Can Cross the Membrane lab, diffusion and osmosis was tested with the substances
polysaccharide and monosaccharide. The experiment tested whether the saccharides in a solution
could affect how well the solution will be able to diffuse across a semipermeable membrane. This
not only relates to diffusion and osmosis, but homeostasis. Homeostasis is the shift towards a
relatively stable equilibrium between interdependent elements, especially as maintained by
physiological processes. If polysaccharide tubing is placed in a beaker of mosaccarhide, the tubing
will expand because the monosaccharide will diffuse across the semipermeable. The purpose of this
lab is to discover that when cells are put in different environments they will try ... Show more
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Homeostasis was a large part of the lab. Osmosis is a process by which things move from an area of
higher concentration to an area of lower concentration in which osmosis refers to the movement of
water. By trying to maintain a homogeneous condition throughout the entire system the cell, thereby,
maintains homeostasis. Because they need to be in an equal environment inside than outside the cell,
this environment is called an isotonic environment. If placed into a irregular environment
(hypertonic/hypotonic) the cell will use
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35.
36. Cell Membrane Lab Report
1. The mammalian OR is part of the GPCR superfamily, while the topological distinct family of
transmembrane proteins defines the insect OR. The insect OR is comprised of a heteromeric
complex of a conventional odor ligand–binding receptor and an OR83b. The N terminus for the
mammalian OR is located extracellularly while it is located intracellularly for the insect OR. The C
terminus is located in the intracellularly in the mammalian OR, while it is located extracellularly in
the insect OR.
2. First, odorant compounds bind to an odorant receptor (OR) for mammals. A transduction cascade,
which involves a G protein and AC3, is activated. This will produce a second messenger, cyclic
AMP. Because cAMP binds to cyclic nucleotide –gated (CNG) channel, cations Na+ and Ca2+ will
be in abundance. This will depolarize the cell membrane. At this stage the Ca2+ –Ca2+ can activate
dependent Cl– channel as well. Olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) will have high concentrations of
Cl– intracellularly, in which the channel will support a negatively charged Cl– efflux. This will
produce more ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
A. In the experiment, with mosquitos with mutated OR co–receptor proteins and in the absence of
CO2, showed that the mosquitos lost preference for human odor treated stockings. However, when
CO2 was in the test chamber, orco mutants were just as attracted to the human odor treated
stockings as the non–mutants were.
B. The results suggest that CO2 could trigger host–seeking behavior even with nonfunctioning
Orco–positive neurons.
4. A pro for the usage of 2,3–butanedione and pyridine is that they could inhibit cpA neuron or
activate cpA neuron respectfully. A possible con could be the rancid butter smell of 2,3–
butanedione. A definite con would be the high flammability and overall toxicity, even at low doses
of pyridine. The fish–like odor could also be considered a con. The overall stopping of the mosquito
bites (2,3–butanedione) and trapping of mosquitos (pyridine) is a
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37.
38. Cell Membrane Diffusion
Question–
How does changing a solution's concentration of solutes affect the movement of molecules across a
cell membrane?
Background Research–
The cell membrane's function is to control what goes in and out of the cell. The membrane isolates
the area of cytoplasm from the external environment and regulates the exchange of entering and
exiting molecules. Cell membranes communicate with other organelles to function properly.
(Muskopf). A quality of the membrane is that it is selectively permeable. This means that certain
substances may pass through the membrane more easily than others. The cell membrane consists of
a phospholipid bilayer and embedded proteins.(Feldkamp, page 73). Another characteristic of the
cell membrane is the idea of passive transport. Passive transport is when certain substances inside of
the cell can move throughout the membrane without the use of the cells ... Show more content on
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The way that a molecule can move from an area of a high to low concentration is simple diffusion.
Concentration gradient is the term referring to the difference between the concentration levels. For
example, when a sugar cube enters into a water beaker, the sugar sinks to the bottom and the level of
concentration increases. The concentration of the sugar molecules goes up compared to the level at
the top of the water. Eventually, the sugar cube will dissolve and the molecules diffuse, those
molecules disperse throughout the water beaker.(Feldkamp, page 95). A different type of diffusion is
facilitated diffusion. This is the process in which molecules can not dissolve at a moderate rate
throughout the area of the membrane. An example of facilitated diffusion are carrier proteins.
Certain molecules are not able to dissolve. Carrier proteins assist the movement of these molecules
across the membrane. These proteins move the molecules from areas of high to low concentration
without the use of energy.(Feldkamp, page
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39.
40. Investigation Of The Cell Membrane Essay
Mustafa Elgabry
October 17, 2016
Period 3
Egg Lab
Introduction: The cell membrane benifits the cell in many different ways and is composed of many
different parts which help the membrane execute what it is supposed to practice. A model that
represents these parts is called the fluid mosaic model. The model contains proteins and
carbohydrates within a phospholipid bilayer that consists of hydrophobic tails and hydrophilic
heads. All of the components within the bilayer play a role in the function of the cell membrane. For
example the carbohydrates practice cell to cell recognition while the proteins transport molecules in
the cell and back out. Proteins also have alternate functions such as intercellular joining and
extracellular matrix. When molecules transport in and out of the cell through the membrane, there
are two types of transport, passive and active transports. Passive transport occurs when molecules
move with the concentration gradient. One example is simple diffusion, where the molecules
transport through the cell membrane effortlessly moving from a high to low concentration. Then
there is facilitated diffusion where the molecules such as glucose move with the concentration
gradient but have to use a protein to pass through the membrane. Osmosis, however, is the diffusion
of water molecules across the membrane, but the water molecules also need to pass through a
protein because the inside of the lipid bilayer consists of hydrophobic tails. The purpose
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41.
42. Coma Membrane: Lipid Rafts
Lipid rafts are defined as the subdomains of the plasma membrane that exist as distinct liquid–
ordered regions of the membrane [1]. These membrane domains preferentially arise due to the
interaction of specific lipids. They are mobile, dynamic and insoluble in non–ionic detergents such
as Triton X–100 [2]. Lipid rafts are enriched in cholesterol, sphingolipids and phospholipids within
cell membranes (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Organization of lipid rafts (Note the higher concentration of cholesterol and sphingolipids)
within the raft region. (Image: WikiBooks Structural Biochemistry/Lipids/Lipid Rafts).
Sphingomyelin (SM) (also called ceramide phosphocholine), a type of sphingolipid, is a ubiquitous
component of the animal membrane [3].The major sources of sphingomyelin are the bovine brain,
egg yolk and milk [4]. It is, being analogous of phosphatidylcholine, typically consists of a ceramide
unit with a phosphocholine moiety attached to position 1. A typical example of sphingomyelin is a
d18:1/16:0 molecular species: ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
These lipid rafts have been proposed to serve many functions in cell signalling, membrane
trafficking and signal transduction [7]. There are some special types of proteins (e.g.,
transmembrane proteins and GPI–anchored proteins) that can anchor on the nanodomains to play an
important role in transporting chemicals through the membrane [8]. Sphingomyelin rich rafts act as
hotspots or platforms to enable transmembrane proteins to aggregate so that they can promote cell
signalling events
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43.
44. Biology : Cell Membrane Transport
Cell Membrane Transport
Ard Orpilla
Zoology 2011 Section 16
Manisha Rao
October 6, 2014 Introduction
Cells are the basic units of life. Everything alive consists of cells. In order for cells to perform their
basic functions, it has to continuously seek homeostasis. This is done by structures within the cell. A
structure within the cell is the plasma membrane, which regulates what enters and exits the cell. The
cell membrane contains a phospholipid bilayer which causes the cell to have selective permeability;
"allowing transport of some chemicals but not others" ( ). Specifically, the phospholipid bilayer
allows for the movement of water, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. Conversely, it is not permeable to
ions or polar chemicals. The phospholipid bilayer is in possession of hydrophilic and hydrophobic
regions, which are the polar heads and tails, respectively. This is important because the head attracts
water while the tail repels water, thus regulating the substances entering and exiting the cell. When
substances pass through the plasma membrane, they use passive or active transport. Whether either
transport type is used is determined by the concentration gradient, which is the difference of
concentration between areas. In an active transport, the cell must use adenosine triphosphate, or
ATP, which is produced by the mitochondria of the cell and is energy used by the body, because the
substance is moving from a lower concentration gradient to a higher
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45.
46. The Effect Of Temperature On Membrane Permeability
The objective and the main purpose of this experiment were to determine the effects of temperature
on membrane permeability. Physical treatment on membrane permeability with its effects on the
basis of the known chemical composition of the membrane was investigated. The major result of
this experiment was the maximum membrane permeability was determined by the maximum
absorbance value. Also the membrane becomes more permeable at higher temperature, which was
the expected result considering the fact that the protein denatured at higher temperature and
phospholipid became less stable because its shape and structure changed. As figure.1 states the
result of this experiment as temperature increases, the mean absorbance value increases as well
(Reece et al., 2014).
All of phospholipid bilayers, proteins and carbohydrates together constitute the biological
membrane. Each of these members of biological membrane has separate individual task. The task of
phospholipid bilayer is to make up the cell membrane. Phospholipids are made up of two fatty acids
and long chain of hydrogen and carbon, which are, attach to glycerol head. The glycerol molecule is
also attached to phosphate group and this is the hydrophilic part of the molecule. The tail ends on
the fatty acid chain, opposite the glycerol are hydrophobic part of the molecule. The phospholipid
releases a barrier to prevent the passage from chemical and waste products. The most important
function for phospholipid is to form a
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47.
48. The Effect of Temperature on the Permeability of Beetroot...
The Effect of Temperature on the Permeability of Beetroot Membrane
Analysis
The graph shows the colorimeter readings increase as the temperature increases, they increase by the
most at higher temperatures. This is shown by a smooth curve.
This means that the beetroot samples release more dye at higher temperatures. This is because
higher temperatures cause the membrane structure to break down.
The membrane structure:
Membranes have two layers of molecules called phospolipids to make up their structure.
Phospholipis consist of a glycerol molecule plus two molecules of fatty and a phosphate group, this
looks like a head with two legs, their head is attracted to water, this means ... Show more content on
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Intrinsic proteins occur across the whole width if the protein allowing the intake of substances into
the cell. Extrinsic proteins occur only in the outer or inner phospholipid bi–layer, but not through
both. These proteins are usually receptors.
Intrinsic channel proteins allow water soluble molecules to pass through it by forming a tiny gap in
itself, this is large enough for the substances.
Intrinsic carrier proteins carry water–soluble molecules through the membrane, this method is called
Â'Active TransportÂ'
Extrinsic proteins recognise and bind on specific molecules, eg. hormones. Membranes can also be
embedded in the inner membrane
The reason why the membrane structure breaks down at higher temperatures is because the proteins
are not very stable and break down with heat, called denaturing. An enzyme denatures because the
heat changes the shape of the active site o the substrate can not fit into it. Enzymes are always
denaturing, but at higher temperatures this occurs more rapidly. But at higher temperatures there are
more collisions between the substrate and the active site so this would increase the reactivity, so a
49. good balance must be found. The optimum temperature is about 43ËšC, this is called the optimum
temperature. As the proteins start to break down, there is no longer a
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50.
51. The Cells And The Cell Membrane
T1.
All species of fungi, plants and animals are formed from eukaryotic cells. The Eukaryote have a true
nucleus; their DNA is confined to a definite area within the cell enclosed by a Nuclear envelope.
Prokaryotes evolved before eukaryotic cells and their cells do not have a true nucleus. Prokaryote
DNA is not enclosed by a membrane.
ORGANELLE STRUCTURE FUNCTION PLANT OR ANIMAL
Nucleus Within the cell membrane Site of the nuclear material–the DNA both
Nucleolus Inside nucleus Manufacture of ribosomes both
Mitochondrion Numerous in cytoplasm. Up to 1000 per cell. Aerobic respiration both
Rough endoplasmic reticulum Continuous throughout cytoplasm Isolation and transport of newly
synthesised proteins Both both Smooth endoplasmic ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
These compartments allow the chemicals involved in a particular process in the cell, such as
photosynthesis or respiration to be kept separate from the rest of the cytoplasm. This cell structure
and high degree of internal organisation optimizes essential chemical reactions, and allows the
processes within the cell to function. The fluid that occupies the space between the organelles is
called the cytosol, a solution containing a complex mixture of enzymes, amino acids and waste
materials.
T2. The cell surface plasma membrane covers the outside of a cell, and this is a double–layered
sheet of phospholipid molecules interspersed with proteins. It separates the cell from the outside
environment; this protects the cell, and allows the import and export of selected chemicals.
1Phospholipds are the main component of cell membranes. They naturally form membranes in water
because they automatically arrange themselves into a bilayer that is almost impermeable to water
and to water soluble substances. The membrane keeps the cell contents in and other substances out.
There is however a need for selective transport into and out of a cell and the cell does this through
membrane proteins.
2 Membrane proteins act as hydrophilic pores, water filled channels that allow water soluble
substances to pass through. These pores are small and
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52.
53. Semipermeability Of The Cell Membranes
A membrane is the cell's gatekeeper. This phospholipid bilayer says what molecules can move in or
out of the cell. The cell membrane is also responsible for maintaining homeostasis. The cell
membrane is semipermeable. They can control what molecules come in or out. There are two ways
that molecules can move across the membrane. Passive mechanisms like diffusion dont use any
energy while active transport uses energy to move molecules.
Diffusion is the movement of particles down their gradient. Simple Diffusion is the passive
movement from high to low concentration. Facilitated Diffusion is the movement of particles from
high concentration to low concentration through a protein carrier. Osmosis is the diffusion of water
across the cell membrane. steepness of gradient, temperature, size of molecule, and distance are all
factors in the rate of diffusion. Tonicity refers to the concentration of solute in the solvent. A typical
solution consists of two components known as the solvent and the solute. The solvent is used as a
dissolving medium while the solute is used as the substance dissolved in the solvent. In a hypotonic
solution, there is a lower concentration of solute relative to the inside of the cell. In a hypertonic
solution, there is a high concentration of solute relative to the inside of the cell. In plants cells, the
swelling of cells placed in a hypotonic solution results in turgor pressure. The structure of the cell
stops it from bursting. Turgor pressure keeps the
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54.
55. The Lipid Bilayer And Membrane
The Lipid Bilayer is a membrane that contains protein. The lipid bilayer is a part of all cell
membrane. The structural parts provide support that marks the boundaries of the cells. It is called a
lipid bilayer because it has two layers of fat cells put in order on two sheets. Lipid Bilayer
(Phospholipid bilayer)
Assessments and Measures The Lipid Bilayer is simply a thin polar membrane made of two layers
of lipid molecules. These membranes are flat sheets that surround the cells as a barrier. Lipid bilayer
cause viruses, and living organism in the cell membranes. There also membranes that form cell
nucleus and any sub– cellular structures. The lipid bilayer keeps ions, proteins and other molecules
where they need to be. Lipid bilayer are usely waterproof towards ions which also allow cells to
keep salt in check. Amphiphilic phospholipids are usually composed in biological bilayers.
Phospholipid that have certain head groups that can change the chemistry of the bilayer. Also, just
like the head the tails of lipids can be affected by the membranes properties. At lower temperatures,
solid gel can adopt by the bilayer and transferred to a fluid state. The mechanical properties can be
affected by the way the lipid bilayer was packaged.
Biological membranes have typically many types of molecules other than the phospholipids. An
example of the animal's cholesterol with also helps strengthen the bilayer. Cholesterol also helps
control the activity of membrane proteins, because
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56.
57. Essay on Membranes: Cell Membrane and Purple Dark
Cell Membranes and Transport
Hands–On Labs, Inc. Version 42–0033–00–01
Lab Report Assistant This document is not meant to be a substitute for a formal laboratory report.
The Lab Report Assistant is simply a summary of the experiment's questions, diagrams if needed,
and data tables that should be addressed in a formal lab report. The intent is to facilitate students'
writing of lab reports by providing this information in an editable file which can be sent to an
instructor.
Exercise 1: Diffusion
Observations
Data Table 1: Rate of ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Hypotonic solution. |
B. What would happen to a red blood cell placed in distilled water? Why?
Distilled water is a hypotonic solution which means in contains no solutes. According to the text
(p.72), "Cells placed in a hypotonic solution plump up rapidly as water rushes into them." This
means that a RBC would eventually pop.
C. Create a graph of your experimental data by plotting the percent change in potato mass against
sucrose molarity. Label the x–axis as "Molarity of Sucrose," and the y–axis as "% Change in Mass."
D. Determine the molar concentration of the sucrose contained in the potato strips by using the
graph created in question C. At the point where the molar concentration of the sucrose in the potato
would be isotonic to the sucrose, there would be no net change in the potato mass. On the graph, this
is located at the 0% change. Draw a line from this place on the y–axis to intersect the line. From the
line draw a line down to the x–axis to find the molarity.
Molar concentration of sucrose in potato = .3 M
Exercise 3: The Effect of Solvents on Membrane
System
Observations
Data Table 3: Color Intensity from Damaged Beet Cells | TestTube | Solution Treatment |
58. ColorIntensity0 – 10 | Condition of Beet (turgid, flaccid, etc.) | a | 70% Isopropyl alcohol | 10 | Very
flacid | b | 35% Isopropyl alcohol | 7 | bendable | c | 17.5% Isopropyl alcohol | 3 | Less firm | d |
Distilled Water | 0 | Very
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59.
60. High Membrane Traffic Lab
we observed a cell membrane's ability to diffuse the KMnO4 solution while increasing the
temperature. Dialysis tubing is commonly used to mimic a cell membranes semi–permeable bi–
layer. This tubing is commonly used for patients being treated via dialysis by removing toxins from
the blood. The clear tubing consists of microscopic pores that allow certain molecules to pass
through. Certain molecules will pass through the makeshift membrane if small enough. If they are
too large, they will be confined inside the membrane. The first part of the lab focused on varied
concentrations of Potassium Permanganate solution. Three different concentrations of KMnO4
(100mM, 20mM, and 4mM) allowed the group to observe the solution moving from an area of high
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By removing one milliliter of the stock solution to the first test tube, and repeating the same process
for the other two tubes allowed us compare concentrations and know what the dilution factor would
be when placed into the dialysis tubing. All three tubes had the same amount of water (4mL of H2O)
added. Once the solution for each test tube was mixed well, we transferred 2 mL of each
concentration into the dialysis bag. We secured each piece (3 in total) of the dialysis tubing to ensure
that once the concentration was added that it would not leak out of either end. Three stir plates were
used, all set at the same speed, and the dialysis bags filled with different concentrations were added.
Before we began to measure the absorbance rate, we did take a sample of the water immediately
after placing the dialysis tubing into each beaker. We observed each beaker over a period of 25
minutes. At each five–minute interval, we removed one milliliter of the solution and placed it into a
cuvette. The cuvette sample was then placed in the spectrophotometer to calculate the absorbance
rate of each sample. After each sample was measured, all data was recorded in the lab manual. Once
all measurements had been recorded we used the absorbance rate to help calculate the concentration.
The light that is absorbed when using the spectrophotometer is usually relative to the concentration
of a specific
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61.
62. Characteristics Of A Plasma Membrane
BIO181– Hybrid W4 – Membranes/Metabolism Name: Meghan Woodford
*** In all cases, answer thoroughly, and support with clear examples. (allot 4+ hrs/W)
1. Fully describe the characteristics of a plasma membrane. Be specific using your own words. (2–3
paragraphs – include structure, general function, proteins.)
Cell membranes are basically the barrier of a cell between its interior and its exterior environment. It
protects the cell as well as governs what can and cannot pass through and enter into the cell. The
phospholipid bilayer is a layer of lipids (or more specifically, phospholipids) packed close together
that creates a barrier for the cell membrane. The membrane is also made up of proteins and
cholesterol. Cholesterol is ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Active transport on the other hand is the movement from low to high concentration. This kind of
transportation requires energy. An example of this would be moving those sodium chloride
molecules from the diluted left side to the concentrated right side. Now looking at osmosis, this is a
process that takes place after reaching equilibrium. The sodium chloride is still moving between
both sides, but instead of the right side moving more quickly to the left side (in diffusion) both sides
are moving between the membrane at the same rate.
3. Use crenation, red blood cell shrinking, plasmolysis, and turgid plant cells to differentiate
between hypertonic, hypotonic, and isotonic. (2–3 paragraphs)
Starting with hypertonic, it's a term used to describe when the exterior environment of a cell is more
highly concentrated than its interior environment. Say you placed an animal cell, such as a red blood
cell, in a solution high in sodium chloride. The water inside the red blood cell would rush out,
causing the cell to shrivel up. This is called crenetion. It's a result of osmosis where red blood cells
undergo shrinkage. Something similar happens in plant cells, however, with plant cells the
membrane gets teared off the cell wall. This is called plasmolysis. This happens because the
cytoplasm is mostly made up of water, so as that shrinks from all the
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63.
64. The Membrane Of The Cell Membrane
1.0 Introduction
1.1 The Cell Membrane Biological cells have a membrane that separates the contents of the cell
from its exterior environment and serves a number of functions. The membrane is partially
permeable, facilitating and controlling what materials pass into and out of the cell. The membrane
can produce different compartments within the cell in addition to allowing electrical signals to pass
along them, playing a role in cell signalling and creating attachment sites for enzymes and
molecules involved in the metabolism (Keeton, 1983, p. 71).
1.2 The Phospholipid Bilayer
The membrane of the cell is composed of a Phospholipid Bilayer with various protein molecules
floating within it phospholipids are fats and are constructed of two fatty acid tails that are
hydrophobic and a Phosphate head that is hydrophilic. The heads orientate themselves towards the
water molecules outside of the cell with the hydrophobic tails pointing away from the water
molecules. A second tier of phospholipids forms a mirror image with the heads pointing towards the
water molecules inside the cell itself. These two tiers of Phospholipids form the Phospholipid
Bilayer (Keeton, 1983, p. 71). Figure 1 Phospholipid Bilayer
1.3 The Fluid Mosaic Model
The Fluid Mosaic Model (Keeton, 1983, p. 71) shows that within the Phospholipid Bilayer are a
number of proteins that float freely and form a 'mosaic' pattern. These proteins can be intrinsic and
exist through the complete thickness of the membrane
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65.
66. The Effects Of Environmental Stress On Cell Membranes
Introduction:
The purpose of this experiment was to indirectly study the effects of environmental stress on cell
membranes. Watercourses have been with discarding of domestic and manufacturing, for centuries.
Alarms have only escalated about the ecological alterations in the recent years of what would be the
consequences. Scientists have developed a thorough investigation in search of various man harmful
waste that is damaging the environment of watercourses.
The cell membranes are the utmost essential organelle that surrounds all living cells. Its purpose is
to control what goes in and out of the cells and is accountable for the various other properties of the
cells as well. The nucleus and other organelles also have membranes that are practically
indistinguishable. Membranes are organised in a mosaic arrangement, comprised of carbohydrates,
proteins and phospholipids. This can be seen in Figure 1. The objective of this indirect examination
is to study the causes of various solvents and conducts on live beetroot cells. The reason why
beetroot cells have been selected for this experiment is because they have a big membrane–bound
central vacuole, as seen in Figure 2. The red colour anthocyanin, which provides the beetroot its
bright colour is located in the vacuole. The cell membrane encloses the whole beetroot cell. The
anthocyanin cannot leak out if the membranes stay unharmed. The red colour can escape if the
membranes are hassled or broken.
Abstract:
Ethanol disrupts
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67.
68. Membrane Potential Lab Report
The findings of this experiment reinforced the hypothesis that the resting membrane potential is
most influenced by the ion potassium. We were able to deduce this through the collection of a
multitude of intracellular and extracellular recordings, such as the one shown below in Figure 1.
This shows how this experiment was able to record every single resting membrane potential in all
three different muscle groups under all six solutions. The fact that potassium is indeed the most
influential determinant of crayfish resting membrane potential can be seen through the analysis of
Figure 2. This table shows that the obtained resting membrane potential follows the same trajectory
as the Nernst calculated one. The initial concentration elicited a resting membrane potential that was
significantly more positive than ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Hence, this would allow for an influx of sodium into the cell down its electrochemical gradient. It
would also allow for the flow of potassium outward, as it has a 140mM concentration inside the cell
and wants to shift down its concentration gradient to 5.4mM. Therefore, this great driving force for
the influx of sodium and efflux of potassium helps to explain the findings at this point. As Table 1
shows, the findings within this figure are statistically supported. The fact that there is not significant
difference between the findings of this experiment and the calculated Nernst at the 10, 20 and 40mM
of potassium is an indicator that sodium is the largest determinant of the resting membrane potential.
However, some findings defy the expectations, as the last two concentrations elicit a resting
membrane potential significantly more negative than expected. This can be explained by the fact
that at this point, each muscle at their respective muscle groups has been protruded many
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69.
70. Membrane Potential Lab Report
Membrane potential, Transmembranes potential & its measurement by microelectrodes 1.
Introduction Background 2. Physiology of Membrane Potential 2.1 Understanding Membrane
Potential 2.2 How to Calculate Membrane Potential 3. Transmembrane Potential 3.1 Measurement
of Transmembrane Potential by Microelectrodes Summary In all cell types, there is an electrical
potential difference exits between the inside and outside of the cell resulting from the differential
concentrations of sodium and potassium on either side of the membrane. This is termed the
membrane potential of the cell. While this phenomenon is present in all cells, it is especially
important in muscles and nerve cells, because changes in their membrane potentials are used to code
and transmit information or signals. More specifically, the action potentials are electrical signals;
these signals carry efferent messages to the central nervous system for processing and afferent
messages away from the brain to elicit a specific ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Na+/K+ ATPase pump continuously three sodium ions to the outside for each two potassium ions
pumped to the inside of the membrane. The fact that more sodium ions are being pumped to the
outside than potassium to the inside causes continual loss of positive charges from inside the
membrane; this creates an additional degree of negativity on the inside beyond that which can be
accounted for by diffusion alone. Therefore, the net membrane potential with all these factors
operating at the same time is about −90 millivolts. In summary, the diffusion potentials alone caused
by potassium and sodium diffusion would give a membrane potential of about −86 millivolts, almost
all of this being determined by potassium diffusion. Then, an additional −4 millivolts contribute to
the membrane potential by the continuously acting electrogenic Na + /K + ATPase, giving a net
membrane potential of −90
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71.
72. The Cell Membrane Transport Lab
INTRODUCTION–
In the cell membrane transport lab, there were many experiments that were done such as osmosis,
diffusion in a gel, diffusion in a liquid, diffusion in air, and filtration, A cell membrane transport lab
is done to understand the different ways of transport and why they are all important since it relates
to the human body.
Osmosis occurs when a fluid, that's most likely water, passes through a semipermeable membrane.
The tonicity of the solutions on both sides of the semipermeable membrane determines the outcome.
It's possible to use osmosis to sort blood cells by using a hypotonic solution to deplete blood cells to
distinguish and sort out the differences (Parichehreh et al 2011). The tonicity of the blood and the
cells can determine the health of the body, where your body can be dehydrated to hydrate enough.
Variables in this experiment is the cell when it crenates or hemolyzes until the solutions on either
sides of the semipermeable membrane reaches equilibrium. If tonicity affects osmosis, then
exposing a dialysis membrane full of cytoplasmic solution (containing glucose, albumin, NaCl, and
starch) in an environment solution (deionized water) will cause the cell to swell and gain weight due
to being a hypertonic solution and will result in glucose and NaCl passing through the
semipermeable membrane and leave the cell since the particles of glucose and NaCl are small,
leaving osmosis to occur until the two solutions reaches equilibrium.
In diffusion,
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73.
74. Membrane Fluidity EXCEPT
are covalently attached to the surface of the membrane are loosely associated with the surface of the
membrane may penetrate the membrane partially never interact with the surface of the membrane
All of the following can cross the cell membrane by simple diffusion EXCEPT?
O2 ethanol CO2 glucose All of the following factors affect membrane fluidity EXCEPT?
temperature cholesterol cis/trans–configuration of double bonds all of the above affect membrane
fluidity
Which of the following is true when comparing facilitated diffusion to simple diffusion?
facilitated diffusion does not occur down a concentration gradient, only simple diffusion does
facilitated diffusion is faster than simple diffusion energy in facilitated diffusion is supplied
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75.
76. Plasma Membrane Lab Report
The Effects of Temperature and Detergent on the Plasma Membrane
Introduction
The Effects of Temperature and Detergent on the Plasma Membrane
Introduction
The fluid mosaic model developed by S.J Singer and Garth Nicolson in 1972 explains the structure
of the membrane. It shows this through the explanation of the phospholipid bilayer which contains
hydrophobic tails and a hydrophilic heads as well as the peripheral and integral proteins which help
to hold the structure. The fluid mosaic model also says how the membrane is in a fluid form rather
than solid because of the constant movement within the membrane (Biology Online, 2008).
The cell membrane is a semi permeable protective layer which protects the cell from the outside
environment by only allowing in and out of the cell only what is needed in order to survive. The
cells that make up the red beetroot contain a compound called betacyanin which is the cause for the
red pigment of the beetroot (Carter–Edwards, 2011). The betacyanin is found within the vacuoles of
the cell and is soluble in water (Cellular membrane structure and function, n.d.). The proteins within
the membrane of the cell denature when subjected to high temperatures which causes the membrane
to break apart allowing the betacyanin within the cell to release causing a red pigment to release
from the beetroot. The higher the temperature and the longer at which the beetroot is exposed to it,
causes more pigment to release ("Beetroot Cell
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77.
78. The Permeability Of Membrane Permeability
Ability of cell membrane transport of membrane permeability, diffusion ,osmosis and membrane
voltages
Introduction
Cell membranes are boundaries of the cell, it controls all the interaction between cells as well as
passage transport of the material we normally describe as membrane transport. Membrane transport
are very essential for all living things, however not all substance can transport in and out of
membranes and different ions can pass through membranes in different ways.
Membrane permeability is very important as to maintain the cell in a stable condition as we can also
describe as remain our cell a more homeostatic environment by control which substances could can
go through cells. Membranes are essential for control the concentration of particular ion, and
establish the concentration requires. We can observe those mechanisms of cell membrane from a
considerable ATP synthesis and solute transport through the plasma membranes. Gradients which
cause those ions to move cross the membranes are potential of cell .when a separation of charge
occurred an electrical potential occurred results with voltages can be measured in the cell.
Osmosis is the one of important transport for living cells.it allows water from one side to another.
The direction of osmosis are usually from high concentration of water to lower concentration. This
is because when the membrane has a high level on one side of membranes it could results as a
pressure, which is known as osmotic pressure.
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79.
80. Amphipathicity In Negatively Charged Membranes
As previously suggested, AMPs can partition themselves into the lipid–rich areas of biomembranes
and disrupt the proper functioning of bacterial lipids regulating cell division. Hydrophobicity is an
important factor that determines the extent to which an AMP can distribute itself among membrane
lipids. The percentage of hydrophobic residues in a peptide is termed hydrophobicity. It is usually at
50% for most peptides. [1] However, highly hydrophobic peptides can prove to be toxic to the cell,
therefore AMPs must be moderately toxic to be able to show antimicrobial activity while at the same
time have minimal effect on mammalian cells. [1]
The relative abundance and distribution of hydrophobic and hydrophilic residues in a peptide is
called ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Antibiotic resistant pathogens have evolved various mechanisms to evade antibiotic action. These
include preventing the antibiotic from binding or entering it, modifying the binding site of the
antibiotic or producing an enzyme that deactivates the antibiotic. Therefore it has become crucial to
be able to design new antimicrobial substances that can overcome these existing antibiotic– resistant
pathogens. [3]
Such an antimicrobial agent should be highly target–specific, making them non–toxic towards
mammalian cells. This is not very difficult to achieve since there are significant differences between
mammalian and microbial cells based on structural features, membrane charge and composition,
transmembrane potential etc. as discussed above.
Due to their ability to permealibilize microbial membranes, AMPs have the potential to act
synergistically by facilitating the passage of antibiotics across the microbial membranes. Moreover,
it is difficult for microbial cells to develop resistance towards AMPs. This is possibly due to the fact
that AMPs attack the entire cytoplasm as well as intracellular molecules, and kill bacterial cells very
quickly using several complex mechanisms.
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