Plasma Membrane Structure and Function

Vocabulary flashcards covering Chapter 5 concepts on the structure and function of the plasma membrane, including phospholipids and bilayer organization.

Fluid mosaic model

A model describing the plasma membrane structure, where 'fluid' represents side-to-side movement and 'mosaic' represents the mixture of phospholipids, proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates.

Phospholipid Head

The polar, hydrophilic, water-loving portion of a phospholipid molecule made of a phosphate group and glycerol.

Phospholipid Tails

The two nonpolar, hydrophobic, water-fearing tails of a phospholipid molecule composed of fatty acid chains.

Amphipathic

Having both hydrophobic (two tails) and hydrophilic (head) properties in a single molecule.

Phospholipid Bilayer

A double-layer structure in which hydrophilic heads face outward toward water and hydrophobic tails face inward to avoid water.

Hydrophobic

Nonpolar and water-fearing (hates/avoids water).

Hydrophilic

Polar and water-loving.