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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Ch. 3 The Cell
Amerman3rd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780138247201, 9780138247928, 9780138201814
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology24
- Ch. 2 The Chemistry of Life37
- Ch. 3 The Cell54
- Ch. 4 Histology46
- Ch. 5 The Integumentary System30
- Ch. 6 Bones and Bone Tissue36
- Ch. 7 The Skeletal System40
- Ch. 8 Articulations19
- Ch. 9 The Muscular System35
- Ch. 10 Muscle Tissue and Physiology29
- Ch. 11 Introduction to the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue28
- Ch. 12 The Central Nervous System41
- Ch. 13 The Peripheral Nervous System41
- Ch. 14 The Autonomic Nervous System and Homeostasis31
- Ch. 15 The Special Senses39
- Ch. 16 The Endocrine System42
- Ch. 17 The Cardiovascular System I: The Heart28
- Ch. 18 The Cardiovascular System II: The Blood Vessels43
- Ch. 19 Blood32
- Ch. 20 The Lymphatic System and Immunity41
- Ch. 21 The Respiratory System27
- Ch. 22 The Digestive System27
- Ch. 23 Metabolism and Nutrition7
- Ch. 24 The Urinary System39
- Ch. 25 Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Homeostasis39
- Ch. 26 The Reproductive System10
- Ch. 27 Development and Heredity5
Amerman3rd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780138247201, 9780138247928, 9780138201814Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 3, Problem 5a
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.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the structure of the plasma membrane: The plasma membrane is a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins. Integral membrane proteins are embedded within the bilayer, often spanning its entire width, while peripheral proteins are attached to only one side of the membrane, either the extracellular or intracellular surface.
Analyze the first part of the statement: 'Integral membrane proteins generally span the width of the plasma membrane.' This is true because integral proteins are embedded within the hydrophobic core of the bilayer and often extend across the entire membrane, functioning as channels, transporters, or receptors.
Analyze the second part of the statement: 'Peripheral proteins are found on only one side of the membrane.' This is also true because peripheral proteins are not embedded in the bilayer but are loosely attached to the surface, often interacting with integral proteins or the polar heads of phospholipids.
Determine if the statement as a whole is true or false: Since both parts of the statement are accurate, the entire statement is true.
Conclude the evaluation: No corrections are needed for this statement as it accurately describes the roles and locations of integral and peripheral membrane proteins in the plasma membrane.
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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 separates the interior of the cell from the external environment. It is composed of various proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, which contribute to its fluidity and functionality. Understanding the structure is essential for recognizing how integral and peripheral proteins interact with the membrane.
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Biological Membranes
Integral vs. Peripheral Proteins
Integral membrane proteins are embedded within the lipid bilayer and often span the entire membrane, playing crucial roles in transport and signaling. In contrast, peripheral proteins are attached to the exterior or interior surfaces of the membrane and are involved in signaling pathways and maintaining the cell's shape. This distinction is vital for evaluating the accuracy of statements about membrane proteins.
Recommended video:
03:05Types of Membrane Proteins
Membrane Fluidity
Membrane fluidity refers to the viscosity of the lipid bilayer, which affects the movement and function of membrane proteins. Factors such as temperature, lipid composition, and the presence of cholesterol influence fluidity. A proper understanding of membrane fluidity is important for comprehending how proteins interact within the plasma membrane and how they can be classified as integral or peripheral.
Recommended video:
06:49Biological Membranes
Related Practice
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
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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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.
Cholesterol provides the plasma membrane with stability in the face of changing ion concentrations.
Textbook Question
Write a single sentence, using no more than 25 words, to summarize each of the following cellular processes:
Primary active transport
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Textbook Question
Write a single sentence, using no more than 25 words, to summarize each of the following cellular processes:
DNA synthesis
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