Chapter 24.4, Problem 25LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The role of phospholipids and proteins in cell membranes is to be explained.

Concept Introduction: Major membrane lipid consisting of lipid bilayers is phospholipids.

A membrane protein is attached to the membrane of a cell.

Answer to Problem 25LC

Phospholipids give the main structural organization of membranes that acts as a barrier to the passage of molecules and ions into and out of the cell. On the other hand, proteins carry out specific functions such as maintaining shape and helping cells to communicate, transport, and share materials of the different membranes of the cell.

Explanation of Solution

Given Information: Phospholipids and proteins play role in cell membranes.

The cell's phospholipids serve as a barrier to the entry and exit of molecules and ions. The embedding of different protein molecules in and through the lipid bilayer allows the cell membrane to perform its crucial role, which is to permit the selective passage of substances in and out of the cells.

Certain ions and chemicals can move via the channels that the protein molecules create. For the membrane protein to create hydrogen bonds with water molecules, many membrane proteins also have linked carbohydrates on the exterior of the lipid bilayer.