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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2:43 minutes

Problem 2

Textbook Question

The major types of lipids found in the plasma membranes are (choose two):
a. Cholesterol
b. Triglycerides
c. Phospholipids
d. Fat-soluble vitamins

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the structure and function of the plasma membrane. The plasma membrane is primarily composed of a lipid bilayer, which provides structural integrity and regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

Step 2: Recall the major types of lipids found in the plasma membrane. These include phospholipids, which form the bilayer structure, and cholesterol, which helps maintain membrane fluidity and stability.

Step 3: Eliminate options that are not typically found in the plasma membrane. For example, triglycerides are storage lipids found in adipose tissue, not in the plasma membrane. Similarly, fat-soluble vitamins are nutrients, not structural components of the membrane.

Step 4: Focus on the correct options. Phospholipids are the primary structural component of the bilayer, while cholesterol is embedded within the bilayer to modulate fluidity.

Step 5: Conclude that the two major types of lipids found in the plasma membrane are phospholipids and cholesterol.

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Key Concepts

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

Phospholipids

Phospholipids are essential components of cell membranes, consisting of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) 'head' and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) 'tails.' This unique structure allows them to form bilayers, which create a semi-permeable membrane that regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a type of lipid that is crucial for maintaining membrane fluidity and stability. It is interspersed within the phospholipid bilayer, helping to prevent the membrane from becoming too rigid or too fluid, thus ensuring proper function of membrane proteins and overall cell integrity.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the body, primarily used for energy storage rather than structural components of cell membranes. Composed of glycerol and three fatty acids, they are not typically found in significant amounts in plasma membranes, distinguishing them from phospholipids and cholesterol.