Chapter 7.2, Problem 1NV

Summary Introduction

To determine:

Definition of the term selective permeability, phospholipid bilayer, transport protein, fluid mosaic model.

Explanation of Solution

Selective permeability: In biology, permeability is defined as the ease of transfer of molecules, through a membrane (biological membrane). Selective permeability is a condition, in which some of the molecules are permeable (allowed to pass) through a membrane and some of the molecules are inhibited to pass the membrane.

Phospholipid bilayer: It is a two-layered arrangement of lipid and phosphate molecule and it is the main component of the cell membrane. It has a hydrophobic tail facing inward and a hydrophilic head facing outward.

Transport protein: Transport protein is a carrier protein molecule embedded in the phospholipid bilayer which helps in the transportation of molecules which cannot travel from inside to outside of the cell and vice versa.

Fluid mosaic model: It is a model that describes the structure of the cell membrane as a mosaic of different components. This mosaic has phospholipids, cholesterol, carbohydrates and proteins which gives the membrane a fluid-like structure.