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Q. What are cell membranes primarily composed of?
Cell membranes are composed of phospholipids and serve as the boundary for cells. Phospholipids consist of a pair of fatty acids, which can have carbon-carbon double bonds or not, connected to a three-carbon glycerol with a phosphate group. The structure of phospholipids forms a bilayer with hydrophilic phosphate ends facing the outer and inner surfaces of the membrane, while the hydrophobic fatty acid chains extend into the space between these surfaces. This selectively permeable membrane facilitates the exchange of substances between the cell's interior and its environment.
Due to the hydrophilic and hydrophobic nature of the plasma cell membrane, only certain molecules can passively diffuse between the cell's interior and the environment. The fluidity of the membrane affects passive transport, and the presence of other molecules, such as cholesterol, can significantly impact its fluidity. Temperature also influences membrane fluidity. Researchers conducted measurements to compare the speed of oxygen molecules (O2) moving through three types of membranes (lens lipid, POPC/CHOL, and POPC) with their movement through water. These measurements were conducted at different temperatures.
  • a)
    Proteins
  • b)
    Carbohydrates
  • c)
    Phospholipids
  • d)
    Cholesterols
  • e)
    None of these
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
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Q.What are cell membranes primarily composed of?Cell membranes are com...
Cell membranes are primarily composed of phospholipids, which form a bilayer structure.
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A cell membrane defines the limits of the cell and serves as the boundary between the cell and its surroundings. It is made of a double layer of lipids that blocks the passage of polar substances. The image below shows a typical cell membrane:One important concept related to cell membranes is membrane fluidity. Cells need to keep a certain level of flexibility in order to maintain their stability. Increasing temperature, cholesterol content, and unsaturation of the fatty acid tail of the phospholipids in the bilayer increases the membrane fluidity.Substances pass through the cell membrane by a process called “transport”. Transport can be passive if no energy is consumed or active if energy is required to transport substances across the membrane. The movement of an uncharged solute across a membrane depends on its concentration gradient, while the movement of an ion depends both on its concentration gradient and the electric potential of the membrane. Membranes are said to be polarized if the resting membrane potential is different than zero, depolarized if the membrane potential is higher than the resting membrane potential, and hyperpolarized if the membrane potential is lower than the resting membrane potential.The following table shows the characteristics of the different types of solute transport across a membrane:Q.Utilizing the attachment, if an organism needs to stay alive in a cold environment, what needs to change in the composition of its cell membrane?

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Q.What are cell membranes primarily composed of?Cell membranes are composed of phospholipids and serve as the boundary for cells. Phospholipids consist of a pair of fatty acids, which can have carbon-carbon double bonds or not, connected to a three-carbon glycerol with a phosphate group. The structure of phospholipids forms a bilayer with hydrophilic phosphate ends facing the outer and inner surfaces of the membrane, while the hydrophobic fatty acid chains extend into the space between these surfaces. This selectively permeable membrane facilitates the exchange of substances between the cells interior and its environment.Due to the hydrophilic and hydrophobic nature of the plasma cell membrane, only certain molecules can passively diffuse between the cells interior and the environment. The fluidity of the membrane affects passive transport, and the presence of other molecules, such as cholesterol, can significantly impact its fluidity. Temperature also influences membrane fluidity. Researchers conducted measurements to compare the speed of oxygen molecules (O2) moving through three types of membranes (lens lipid, POPC/CHOL, and POPC) with their movement through water. These measurements were conducted at different temperatures.a)Proteinsb)Carbohydratesc)Phospholipidsd)Cholesterolse)None of theseCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
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Q.What are cell membranes primarily composed of?Cell membranes are composed of phospholipids and serve as the boundary for cells. Phospholipids consist of a pair of fatty acids, which can have carbon-carbon double bonds or not, connected to a three-carbon glycerol with a phosphate group. The structure of phospholipids forms a bilayer with hydrophilic phosphate ends facing the outer and inner surfaces of the membrane, while the hydrophobic fatty acid chains extend into the space between these surfaces. This selectively permeable membrane facilitates the exchange of substances between the cells interior and its environment.Due to the hydrophilic and hydrophobic nature of the plasma cell membrane, only certain molecules can passively diffuse between the cells interior and the environment. The fluidity of the membrane affects passive transport, and the presence of other molecules, such as cholesterol, can significantly impact its fluidity. Temperature also influences membrane fluidity. Researchers conducted measurements to compare the speed of oxygen molecules (O2) moving through three types of membranes (lens lipid, POPC/CHOL, and POPC) with their movement through water. These measurements were conducted at different temperatures.a)Proteinsb)Carbohydratesc)Phospholipidsd)Cholesterolse)None of theseCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for MCAT 2024 is part of MCAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the MCAT exam syllabus. Information about Q.What are cell membranes primarily composed of?Cell membranes are composed of phospholipids and serve as the boundary for cells. Phospholipids consist of a pair of fatty acids, which can have carbon-carbon double bonds or not, connected to a three-carbon glycerol with a phosphate group. The structure of phospholipids forms a bilayer with hydrophilic phosphate ends facing the outer and inner surfaces of the membrane, while the hydrophobic fatty acid chains extend into the space between these surfaces. This selectively permeable membrane facilitates the exchange of substances between the cells interior and its environment.Due to the hydrophilic and hydrophobic nature of the plasma cell membrane, only certain molecules can passively diffuse between the cells interior and the environment. The fluidity of the membrane affects passive transport, and the presence of other molecules, such as cholesterol, can significantly impact its fluidity. Temperature also influences membrane fluidity. Researchers conducted measurements to compare the speed of oxygen molecules (O2) moving through three types of membranes (lens lipid, POPC/CHOL, and POPC) with their movement through water. These measurements were conducted at different temperatures.a)Proteinsb)Carbohydratesc)Phospholipidsd)Cholesterolse)None of theseCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for MCAT 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Q.What are cell membranes primarily composed of?Cell membranes are composed of phospholipids and serve as the boundary for cells. Phospholipids consist of a pair of fatty acids, which can have carbon-carbon double bonds or not, connected to a three-carbon glycerol with a phosphate group. The structure of phospholipids forms a bilayer with hydrophilic phosphate ends facing the outer and inner surfaces of the membrane, while the hydrophobic fatty acid chains extend into the space between these surfaces. This selectively permeable membrane facilitates the exchange of substances between the cells interior and its environment.Due to the hydrophilic and hydrophobic nature of the plasma cell membrane, only certain molecules can passively diffuse between the cells interior and the environment. The fluidity of the membrane affects passive transport, and the presence of other molecules, such as cholesterol, can significantly impact its fluidity. Temperature also influences membrane fluidity. Researchers conducted measurements to compare the speed of oxygen molecules (O2) moving through three types of membranes (lens lipid, POPC/CHOL, and POPC) with their movement through water. These measurements were conducted at different temperatures.a)Proteinsb)Carbohydratesc)Phospholipidsd)Cholesterolse)None of theseCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Q.What are cell membranes primarily composed of?Cell membranes are composed of phospholipids and serve as the boundary for cells. Phospholipids consist of a pair of fatty acids, which can have carbon-carbon double bonds or not, connected to a three-carbon glycerol with a phosphate group. The structure of phospholipids forms a bilayer with hydrophilic phosphate ends facing the outer and inner surfaces of the membrane, while the hydrophobic fatty acid chains extend into the space between these surfaces. This selectively permeable membrane facilitates the exchange of substances between the cells interior and its environment.Due to the hydrophilic and hydrophobic nature of the plasma cell membrane, only certain molecules can passively diffuse between the cells interior and the environment. The fluidity of the membrane affects passive transport, and the presence of other molecules, such as cholesterol, can significantly impact its fluidity. Temperature also influences membrane fluidity. Researchers conducted measurements to compare the speed of oxygen molecules (O2) moving through three types of membranes (lens lipid, POPC/CHOL, and POPC) with their movement through water. These measurements were conducted at different temperatures.a)Proteinsb)Carbohydratesc)Phospholipidsd)Cholesterolse)None of theseCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for MCAT. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for MCAT Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Q.What are cell membranes primarily composed of?Cell membranes are composed of phospholipids and serve as the boundary for cells. Phospholipids consist of a pair of fatty acids, which can have carbon-carbon double bonds or not, connected to a three-carbon glycerol with a phosphate group. The structure of phospholipids forms a bilayer with hydrophilic phosphate ends facing the outer and inner surfaces of the membrane, while the hydrophobic fatty acid chains extend into the space between these surfaces. This selectively permeable membrane facilitates the exchange of substances between the cells interior and its environment.Due to the hydrophilic and hydrophobic nature of the plasma cell membrane, only certain molecules can passively diffuse between the cells interior and the environment. The fluidity of the membrane affects passive transport, and the presence of other molecules, such as cholesterol, can significantly impact its fluidity. Temperature also influences membrane fluidity. Researchers conducted measurements to compare the speed of oxygen molecules (O2) moving through three types of membranes (lens lipid, POPC/CHOL, and POPC) with their movement through water. These measurements were conducted at different temperatures.a)Proteinsb)Carbohydratesc)Phospholipidsd)Cholesterolse)None of theseCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Q.What are cell membranes primarily composed of?Cell membranes are composed of phospholipids and serve as the boundary for cells. Phospholipids consist of a pair of fatty acids, which can have carbon-carbon double bonds or not, connected to a three-carbon glycerol with a phosphate group. The structure of phospholipids forms a bilayer with hydrophilic phosphate ends facing the outer and inner surfaces of the membrane, while the hydrophobic fatty acid chains extend into the space between these surfaces. This selectively permeable membrane facilitates the exchange of substances between the cells interior and its environment.Due to the hydrophilic and hydrophobic nature of the plasma cell membrane, only certain molecules can passively diffuse between the cells interior and the environment. The fluidity of the membrane affects passive transport, and the presence of other molecules, such as cholesterol, can significantly impact its fluidity. Temperature also influences membrane fluidity. Researchers conducted measurements to compare the speed of oxygen molecules (O2) moving through three types of membranes (lens lipid, POPC/CHOL, and POPC) with their movement through water. These measurements were conducted at different temperatures.a)Proteinsb)Carbohydratesc)Phospholipidsd)Cholesterolse)None of theseCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Q.What are cell membranes primarily composed of?Cell membranes are composed of phospholipids and serve as the boundary for cells. Phospholipids consist of a pair of fatty acids, which can have carbon-carbon double bonds or not, connected to a three-carbon glycerol with a phosphate group. The structure of phospholipids forms a bilayer with hydrophilic phosphate ends facing the outer and inner surfaces of the membrane, while the hydrophobic fatty acid chains extend into the space between these surfaces. This selectively permeable membrane facilitates the exchange of substances between the cells interior and its environment.Due to the hydrophilic and hydrophobic nature of the plasma cell membrane, only certain molecules can passively diffuse between the cells interior and the environment. The fluidity of the membrane affects passive transport, and the presence of other molecules, such as cholesterol, can significantly impact its fluidity. Temperature also influences membrane fluidity. Researchers conducted measurements to compare the speed of oxygen molecules (O2) moving through three types of membranes (lens lipid, POPC/CHOL, and POPC) with their movement through water. These measurements were conducted at different temperatures.a)Proteinsb)Carbohydratesc)Phospholipidsd)Cholesterolse)None of theseCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Q.What are cell membranes primarily composed of?Cell membranes are composed of phospholipids and serve as the boundary for cells. Phospholipids consist of a pair of fatty acids, which can have carbon-carbon double bonds or not, connected to a three-carbon glycerol with a phosphate group. The structure of phospholipids forms a bilayer with hydrophilic phosphate ends facing the outer and inner surfaces of the membrane, while the hydrophobic fatty acid chains extend into the space between these surfaces. This selectively permeable membrane facilitates the exchange of substances between the cells interior and its environment.Due to the hydrophilic and hydrophobic nature of the plasma cell membrane, only certain molecules can passively diffuse between the cells interior and the environment. The fluidity of the membrane affects passive transport, and the presence of other molecules, such as cholesterol, can significantly impact its fluidity. Temperature also influences membrane fluidity. Researchers conducted measurements to compare the speed of oxygen molecules (O2) moving through three types of membranes (lens lipid, POPC/CHOL, and POPC) with their movement through water. These measurements were conducted at different temperatures.a)Proteinsb)Carbohydratesc)Phospholipidsd)Cholesterolse)None of theseCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Q.What are cell membranes primarily composed of?Cell membranes are composed of phospholipids and serve as the boundary for cells. Phospholipids consist of a pair of fatty acids, which can have carbon-carbon double bonds or not, connected to a three-carbon glycerol with a phosphate group. The structure of phospholipids forms a bilayer with hydrophilic phosphate ends facing the outer and inner surfaces of the membrane, while the hydrophobic fatty acid chains extend into the space between these surfaces. This selectively permeable membrane facilitates the exchange of substances between the cells interior and its environment.Due to the hydrophilic and hydrophobic nature of the plasma cell membrane, only certain molecules can passively diffuse between the cells interior and the environment. The fluidity of the membrane affects passive transport, and the presence of other molecules, such as cholesterol, can significantly impact its fluidity. Temperature also influences membrane fluidity. Researchers conducted measurements to compare the speed of oxygen molecules (O2) moving through three types of membranes (lens lipid, POPC/CHOL, and POPC) with their movement through water. These measurements were conducted at different temperatures.a)Proteinsb)Carbohydratesc)Phospholipidsd)Cholesterolse)None of theseCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice MCAT tests.
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