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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1:01 minutes

Problem 8

Textbook Question

Which of the following substances is a major component of the cell membrane of a fungus?a. celluloseb. chitinc. cholesterold. phospholipids

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand that the cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is a biological membrane that separates the interior of all cells from the outside environment. It is composed of a lipid bilayer with embedded proteins.

Step 2: Recognize that the major components of the cell membrane are phospholipids, proteins, and carbohydrates. However, the question is asking for a specific component in the cell membrane of a fungus.

Step 3: Recall that cellulose is a major component of the cell walls of plants, not fungi. Chitin is a major component of the cell walls of fungi, not their cell membranes. Cholesterol is a component of animal cell membranes, not typically found in fungi.

Step 4: Therefore, by process of elimination, the major component of the cell membrane of a fungus would be phospholipids, which are a major component of all cell membranes.

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Key Concepts

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

Cell Membrane Composition

The cell membrane is primarily composed of a phospholipid bilayer, which provides structural integrity and regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell. In fungi, the composition differs from that of animal cells, as they do not contain cholesterol but instead utilize other components to maintain membrane fluidity and functionality.

Chitin

Chitin is a polysaccharide that serves as a key structural component in the cell walls of fungi. Unlike cellulose in plants, chitin provides rigidity and protection, contributing to the overall structure of fungal cells. It is important to distinguish chitin from components of the cell membrane.

Phospholipids

Phospholipids are essential molecules that form the basic structure of cell membranes. They consist of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) 'head' and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) 'tails,' allowing them to arrange into bilayers. While phospholipids are crucial for membrane formation, they are not the primary component in fungal cell membranes, which are more influenced by chitin.