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Ch. 3 The Cell
Amerman - Human Anatomy & Physiology 2nd Edition
Amerman2nd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136873822Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksAmerman 2nd EditionCh. 3 The CellProblem 5b
Chapter 3, Problem 5b

Mark the following statements about the plasma membrane as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.
Cholesterol provides the plasma membrane with stability in the face of changing ion concentrations.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of cholesterol in the plasma membrane: Cholesterol is a lipid molecule that is interspersed within the phospholipid bilayer of the plasma membrane. It provides structural stability and fluidity, especially in response to temperature changes, not ion concentrations.
Analyze the statement: The statement claims that cholesterol provides stability in the face of changing ion concentrations. This is incorrect because cholesterol's primary role is to maintain membrane fluidity and stability under varying temperatures, not ion concentration changes.
Correct the false statement: Rewrite the statement to reflect the correct role of cholesterol. The corrected statement should be: 'Cholesterol provides the plasma membrane with stability in the face of changing temperatures.'
Review the corrected statement: Ensure that the revised statement accurately reflects the function of cholesterol in the plasma membrane and aligns with established scientific understanding.
Conclude the evaluation: Mark the original statement as false and provide the corrected version for clarity and accuracy.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Plasma Membrane Structure

The plasma membrane is a phospholipid bilayer that surrounds and protects the cell, providing a barrier between the internal environment and the external surroundings. It contains various proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates that contribute to its fluidity and functionality, allowing selective permeability and communication with other cells.
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Role of Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a lipid molecule embedded within the phospholipid bilayer of the plasma membrane. It plays a crucial role in maintaining membrane fluidity and stability, particularly in varying temperature conditions, by preventing the fatty acid chains of phospholipids from packing too closely together.
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Ion Concentration and Membrane Stability

The stability of the plasma membrane in response to changing ion concentrations is essential for cellular function. While cholesterol helps maintain membrane integrity, it does not directly stabilize the membrane against changes in ion concentrations; rather, ion channels and pumps are responsible for regulating ion flow and maintaining homeostasis.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Match the following terms with the correct functions.

_____Peroxisome    

_____Ribosome    

_____Smooth endoplasmic reticulum    

_____Mitochondrion    

_____Golgi apparatus    

_____Lysosome    

_____Rough endoplasmic reticulum     

_____Vesicle


a. Modifies and folds proteins into the correct structure

b. Modifies, packages, and sorts proteins

c. Contains digestive enzymes

d. Granular organelle that makes proteins

e. Synthesizes most of a cell's ATP

f. Contains enzymes that oxidize toxins and fatty acids

g. Membrane-enclosed structure used to transport substances through the cell

h. Detoxifies certain chemicals, makes lipids, stores calcium ions

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements about the plasma membrane as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

Integral membrane proteins generally span the width of the plasma membrane, whereas peripheral proteins are found on only one side of the membrane.

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements about the plasma membrane as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

Membrane proteins often function as channels or carriers.

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements about the plasma membrane as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

Membrane cholesterol is vital for cell-cell recognition.

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements about the plasma membrane as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

The overall structure of the plasma membrane is a mosaic with the components locked tightly in place.

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Textbook Question

Which of the following best describes the arrangement of the main component of the plasma membrane?

a. A monolayer of phospholipids with the phosphate heads facing the cytosol and the fatty acid tails facing the extracellular fluid

b. A bilayer of phospholipids with the phosphate heads facing the cytosol and extracellular fluid, and the fatty acid tails facing one another

c. A bilayer of phospholipids with the phosphate heads of one layer facing the fatty acid tails of the other

d. A bilayer of phospholipids with a layer of triglycerides sandwiched in the middle

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