Fluid mosaic model of cell membranes | Biology | Khan Academy

The Fluid Mosaic Model describes the structure of __________.

cell membranes

In the Fluid Mosaic Model, the membrane is primarily composed of a __________ bilayer.

phospholipid

Phospholipids have a hydrophilic __________ and hydrophobic __________.

head; tails

A molecule that has both hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts is referred to as __________.

amphipathic

The hydrophobic tails of phospholipids are derived from __________ acids.

fatty

Proteins that span the entire membrane are known as __________ proteins.

transmembrane

Glycolipids are important for __________ recognition.

cell-cell

The fluid nature of the membrane is compared to the consistency of __________ or salad dressing.

oil

Cholesterol helps maintain the __________ of the cell membrane.

fluidity

The term __________ is used to describe the variety of proteins embedded in the phospholipid bilayer.

mosaic

What is the primary function of cell membranes?

To protect the cell and regulate the movement of substances in and out.

Membrane proteins that attach to the cytoskeleton are called __________ proteins.

peripheral

The type of transport that does not require energy is known as __________ transport.

passive

What role do integral proteins play in cell membranes?

They assist in the transport of molecules across the membrane.

What is the significance of glycolipids in the cell membrane?

They play a key role in cell recognition and signaling.

The presence of cholesterol in the membrane affects its __________.

stability

What is the term for the selective permeability of cell membranes?

The ability to allow certain substances to pass while blocking others.

What type of molecules can easily diffuse across the phospholipid bilayer?

Small nonpolar molecules.

What are the main components of the lipid bilayer?

Phospholipids and cholesterol.