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

Previous problemNext problem

Struggling with Biochemistry?

Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video

Multiple Choice

Which biomolecule is the main component of cell membranes?

Carbohydrates

Proteins

Phospholipids

Nucleic acids

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the structure and function of cell membranes: Cell membranes are primarily composed of a bilayer that acts as a barrier and regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

Identify the main biomolecule responsible for forming the bilayer: Phospholipids are amphipathic molecules, meaning they have both hydrophilic (water-attracting) heads and hydrophobic (water-repelling) tails, which are essential for forming the bilayer structure.

Compare the roles of other biomolecules: Carbohydrates are involved in cell recognition and signaling, proteins serve as transporters, receptors, and enzymes, and nucleic acids are not structural components of membranes but are involved in genetic information storage and transfer.

Recognize the unique properties of phospholipids: The hydrophilic heads face outward toward the aqueous environment, while the hydrophobic tails face inward, creating a stable barrier that is selectively permeable.

Conclude that phospholipids are the main component of cell membranes due to their structural and functional properties, forming the lipid bilayer that is fundamental to membrane integrity and function.