Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Lipids

Anatomy & Physiology

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Lipids

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1:48 minutes

Problem 1

Textbook Question

How do the phospholipids in archaea differ from those in other cells?a. They have tails made of unsaturated fatty acids instead of saturated fatty acids.b. They do not contain hydrocarbon chains.c. They have isoprenoid tails instead of fatty acid tails.d. They have two hydrocarbon chains instead of three hydrocarbon chains.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the structure of phospholipids. Phospholipids are a type of lipid molecule that is the main component of the cell membrane. They are composed of two fatty acid tails and a phosphate group head.

Step 2: Recognize that the structure of phospholipids can vary between different types of cells. In particular, the structure of phospholipids in archaea, a type of single-celled microorganism, differs from those in other cells.

Step 3: Evaluate each of the given options. Option a suggests that archaeal phospholipids have tails made of unsaturated fatty acids instead of saturated fatty acids. Option b suggests that they do not contain hydrocarbon chains. Option c suggests that they have isoprenoid tails instead of fatty acid tails. Option d suggests that they have two hydrocarbon chains instead of three.

Step 4: Recall that the key difference between archaeal phospholipids and those in other cells is in the nature of their tails. Archaeal phospholipids have isoprenoid tails, which are made up of repeating five-carbon units, instead of the fatty acid tails found in other cells.

Step 5: Based on this information, the correct answer is option c: They have isoprenoid tails instead of fatty acid tails.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Phospholipid Structure

Phospholipids are molecules that form the fundamental structure of cell membranes, consisting of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) 'head' and hydrophobic (water-repelling) 'tails.' In archaea, the tails can differ significantly from those in bacteria and eukaryotes, influencing membrane fluidity and stability.

Isoprenoid Tails

In archaea, phospholipids often feature isoprenoid tails, which are branched hydrocarbons derived from isoprene units. This contrasts with the straight-chain fatty acids found in the phospholipids of bacteria and eukaryotes, providing archaea with unique membrane properties that enhance their survival in extreme environments.

Membrane Composition and Function

The composition of cell membranes, including the types of phospholipids present, is crucial for maintaining cellular integrity and function. In archaea, the unique structure of their phospholipids contributes to their ability to thrive in extreme conditions, such as high temperatures and salinity, by providing greater membrane stability.