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Cell Biology
Quick questions on The fluid mosaic membrane model: H2 Biology Cell Biology
4short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is the phospholipid bilayer?Show answer
The core of every membrane is a bilayer of phospholipids. Each phospholipid is amphipathic, with a hydrophilic phosphate head and two hydrophobic fatty acid tails. In the watery environment of the cell the heads face outwards toward the water on both sides and the tails turn inwards, forming a non-polar core. This arrangement is self-assembling and gives a stable, two-layer sheet.
What is q1?Show answer
State why the phospholipid bilayer is impermeable to charged ions. [1 mark]
What is q2?Show answer
Explain the role of cholesterol in the cell surface membrane. [2 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
Explain why the model is described as a mosaic. [1 mark]
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