Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biochemistry4h 34m
2. Water3h 23m
3. Amino Acids8h 10m
4. Protein Structure10h 4m
5. Protein Techniques14h 5m
6. Enzymes and Enzyme Kinetics13h 38m
7. Enzyme Inhibition and Regulation 8h 42m
8. Protein Function 9h 41m
9. Carbohydrates7h 49m
10. Lipids5h 49m
11. Biological Membranes and Transport 6h 37m
12. Biosignaling9h 45m
Review 1: Nucleic Acids, Lipids, & Membranes2h 47m
Review 2: Biosignaling, Glycolysis, Gluconeogenesis, & PP-Pathway3h 12m
Review 3: Pyruvate & Fatty Acid Oxidation, Citric Acid Cycle, & Glycogen Metabolism2h 26m
Review 4: Amino Acid Oxidation, Oxidative Phosphorylation, & Photophosphorylation1h 48m

10. Lipids

Biological Membranes

Biochemistry

10. Lipids

Biological Membranes

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a macromolecule that assembles into bilayers in biological membranes?

Amino acids

Cholesterol

Monosaccharides

Phospholipids

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Understand the structure and function of biological membranes: Biological membranes are primarily composed of lipid bilayers, which serve as barriers and provide structural integrity to cells.

Identify the macromolecule responsible for forming bilayers: Phospholipids are amphipathic molecules, meaning they have both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) regions. This property allows them to self-assemble into bilayers in aqueous environments.

Compare the options provided: Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and do not form bilayers. Cholesterol is a lipid that integrates into the bilayer to modulate fluidity but does not form bilayers itself. Monosaccharides are simple sugars and do not contribute to bilayer formation.

Explain why phospholipids are the correct answer: Phospholipids consist of a glycerol backbone, two fatty acid tails (hydrophobic), and a phosphate group (hydrophilic). This structure enables them to form bilayers, with hydrophobic tails facing inward and hydrophilic heads facing outward.

Conclude with the importance of phospholipids in membranes: Phospholipids are essential for membrane structure and function, providing a semi-permeable barrier and a matrix for membrane proteins.