Chapter 5: Protein Structure, Function, and Synthesis

Question 1

Why are phospholipids important in your cellular membrane?

Answer 1

Phospholipids are able to arrange themselves spontaneously

Membranes are self-healing because phospholipids spontaneously rearrange and “heal the membrane”

Question 2

What are the different type of cell membrane proteins and their functions?

Answer 2

Transporters: move ions or molecules across the membrane

Receptors: allow the cell to receive signals from the environment

Enzymes: catalyze chemical reactions

Anchors: attach to other proteins that help to maintain cell structure and shape

Question 3

What are the different cell organelles and their functions?

Answer 3

• Nucleus (contains genetic information)
• Mitochondrion (metabolism)
• Ribosomes (protein synthesis)
• [Cytoplasm]
• Endoplasmic Reticulum (smooth and rough ER; involved in synthesis of proteins and lipids)
• Golgi Apparatus (modifies and sorts proteins and lipids)
• Lysosomes (contain enzymes that break down molecules)

Question 4

Why are diffusion and osmosis important concepts? What role do they play in blood cells?

Answer 4

To maintain homeostasis!
- ex: red blood cells going from hypertonic (salty) to isotonic (balanced) to hypotonic (watery)

Question 5

What is Active Transport and Secondary Active Transport?

Answer 5

Active Transport: movement of substances against their concentration gradient
*Requires ATP

Secondary Active Transport: active transporters driving the transport of molecules through a different transporter through the creation of an electrochemical gradient
(ex: ETC proton pumping)

Question 6

What are the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Answer 6

Prokaryotes:
- no nucleus
- smaller
- no membrane-bound organelles

Eukaryotes:
- nucleus
- bigger
- membrane-bound organelles

Question 7

What are the differences between plant and animal cells?

Answer 7

Plant Cells:
- Cell wall
- Large Vacuoles
- Chloroplasts

Animal Cells:
- Lysosomes
- Small Vacuoles
- Centrosomes (pair of centrioles)