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

Biological Membranes

Anatomy & Physiology

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Biological Membranes

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2:27 minutes

Problem 3

Textbook Question

Which of the following are possible functions of the glycoproteins in the plasma membrane?
a. Determination of blood groups
b. Binding sites for toxins or bacteria
c. Aiding the binding of sperm to egg
d. Increasing the efficiency of absorption

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of glycoproteins in the plasma membrane: Glycoproteins are proteins with carbohydrate chains attached, and they play a crucial role in cell-cell recognition, communication, and interaction with the external environment.

Analyze option (a): Glycoproteins on the surface of red blood cells are responsible for determining blood groups (e.g., ABO blood group system). This is a valid function of glycoproteins.

Analyze option (b): Glycoproteins can act as binding sites for toxins or bacteria, facilitating their attachment to the cell membrane. This is another valid function of glycoproteins.

Analyze option (c): Glycoproteins are involved in reproductive processes, such as aiding the binding of sperm to the egg during fertilization. This is also a valid function of glycoproteins.

Analyze option (d): Glycoproteins do not directly increase the efficiency of absorption; this function is more commonly associated with microvilli or transport proteins. Therefore, this option is unlikely to be a valid function of glycoproteins.

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Key Concepts

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

Glycoproteins

Glycoproteins are molecules composed of proteins and carbohydrates that are found on the surface of cells, particularly in the plasma membrane. They play crucial roles in cell recognition, signaling, and adhesion. The carbohydrate portion can vary greatly, allowing glycoproteins to serve as specific markers for cell identity, which is essential in processes like blood group determination.

Cell-Cell Interaction

Cell-cell interaction refers to the ways in which cells communicate and adhere to one another, often mediated by glycoproteins. These interactions are vital for various biological processes, including fertilization, where glycoproteins on sperm bind to receptors on the egg. This specificity is crucial for successful reproduction and the formation of tissues.

Receptor Function

Receptor function in the context of glycoproteins involves their role as binding sites for various molecules, including toxins, bacteria, and hormones. This binding can trigger cellular responses or facilitate entry into the cell, making glycoproteins essential for immune response and pathogen recognition. Their ability to bind specific ligands is key to maintaining cellular homeostasis and responding to environmental changes.