Table of Contents
The Assignment
- Describe the two basic functions of the plasma membrane.
- What specific molecule is typically most abundant on each side of a plasma membrane? Explain how this influences basic membrane structure. (Note: explain means to give physiological reasons why).
- Draw and label a section of the plasma membrane of a human cell. Your drawing should include:
- A phospholipid bilayer:
- Each phospholipid should include at least one unsaturated, fatty acid tail.
- Your plasma membrane should be at least 15-20 phospholipids in length.
- Label the outside surface and the inside surface of your bilayer. (You can write "out" on one side and "in" on the other side.)
- Label a phospholipid.
- Label the hydrophilic (polar) head of a phospholipid.
- Label the hydrophilic (nonpolar) tails of a phospholipid.
- Make one of the phospholipids a glycolipid and label it, "glycolipid." (Make sure the glycolipid is on the correct surface of the bilayer.)
- Cholesterol – Draw and label two or more cholesterol molecules within the phospholipid bilayer.
- Proteins and glycoproteins – Draw and label membrane proteins, including:
- An integral protein that spans the membrane.
- Label the polar regions of the integral protein.
- Label the nonpolar region of the integral protein.
- A peripheral protein. (Make sure it is on the correct surface of the bilayer.)
- A glycoprotein. (Make sure the carbohydrate portion of the glycoprotein extends from the correct surface of the membrane.)
- An integral protein that spans the membrane.
- Use a bracket and labelling lines to indicate the following regions of the plasma membrane:
- polar
- nonpolar
- A phospholipid bilayer:
- Describe one or more functions of the integral proteins.
- Describe a function of the glycolipids and glycoproteins.
- Which part of the phospholipid bilayer prevents ions and most small, polar molecules from passing freely through the membrane? Explain.
- What characteristic of the phospholipids maintains membrane fluidity? Explain. What other membrane component helps maintain membrane fluidity? Explain.
- Describe the consequences of a plasma membrane becoming solid. What functions would be lost? Explain.
Expectations
A rubric will be used to grade Plasma Membrane assignment. Scroll down to view the rubric. I will provide feedback using the Rubric, which you can view from the Grades area.
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Question 1
The two basic functions of the plasma membrane are described. Particular functions, such as phagocytosis and facilitated diffusion would not be basic functions.
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Question 2
The molecule that is typically most abundant on each side of a plasma membrane is named, and its effect on membrane structure is described.
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Question 3: Phospholipid Bilayer
A phospholipid bilayer section of plasma membrane is drawn with seven details labeled.
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Question 3: Cholesterol
Two or more cholesterol molecules are drawn and labeled in the plasma membrane.
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Question 3: Proteins and glycoproteins
An integral protein is drawn and labeled, including its polar and nopolar regions. A peripheral protein and a glycoprotein are also drawn, on the correct sides of the membrane.
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Question 3: Label polar and nonpolar regions of the plasma membrane
Using a bracket and labeling lines, the polar and nonpolar regions of the plasma membrane are indicated.
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Question 4
Functions of integral proteins of plasma membranes are described.
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Question 5
A function of the glycolipids and glycoproteins of plasma membranes is described.
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Question 6
The specific part of the phospholipid bilayer that prevents ions and most small, polar molecules, from freely passing is identified, and an explanation of how it is such a barrier is provided.
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Question 7
A phospholipid characteristic that helps to maintain membrane fluidity, plus an additional membrane component/molecule that also helps to maintain this fluidity, are described. Explanation is provided regarding why these characteristics/molecules keep the plasma membrane in a fluid state.
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Question 8
Describe the consequences of a plasma membrane becoming solid, including a description of the functions that would be lost.
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Total Points: 25
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