Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

6. The Membrane

Biological Membranes

General Biology

6. The Membrane

Biological Membranes

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Multiple Choice

In what way do the membranes of eukaryotic cells vary?

All membranes have identical lipid and protein compositions.

Only the plasma membrane contains phospholipids.

Membranes differ only in their thickness, not in composition.

Certain proteins and lipids are unique to each membrane type.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the structure of eukaryotic cell membranes: Eukaryotic cells have various membranes, including the plasma membrane, nuclear envelope, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and mitochondrial membranes. These membranes are primarily composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins and other molecules.

Recognize the diversity of membrane composition: While all membranes share the basic structure of a phospholipid bilayer, the specific types of lipids and proteins embedded in the membrane vary depending on the function of the organelle or cell structure.

Consider the role of proteins: Membrane proteins are specialized for specific functions, such as transport, signaling, or enzymatic activity. For example, the plasma membrane contains receptor proteins for cell communication, while mitochondrial membranes contain proteins involved in energy production.

Examine the role of lipids: Different membranes may have unique lipid compositions. For instance, the plasma membrane contains cholesterol to maintain fluidity, while the inner mitochondrial membrane has a high concentration of cardiolipin, which is essential for mitochondrial function.

Conclude that membrane composition is functionally specialized: The variation in lipid and protein composition across different membranes allows each membrane to perform its specific role effectively, making certain proteins and lipids unique to each membrane type.