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

Types of Membrane Proteins

General Biology

6. The Membrane

Types of Membrane Proteins

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1:57 minutes

Problem 5

Textbook Question

How do the extracellular filaments in plants differ from those in animals?
a. Plant filaments resist compression forces; animal filaments resist pulling forces.
b. Animal filaments consist of proteins; plant filaments consist of polysaccharides.
c. Plant extracellular filaments never move; animal filaments can slide past one another.
d. Plant filaments run parallel to one another; animal filaments crisscross.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of extracellular filaments in both plants and animals. These structures provide support and help maintain the integrity of cells and tissues.

Recognize that plant extracellular filaments are primarily composed of polysaccharides, such as cellulose, which form a rigid structure to resist compression forces. This is crucial for maintaining plant cell shape and structure.

Identify that animal extracellular filaments are mainly composed of proteins, such as collagen, which are designed to resist pulling forces. This allows for flexibility and movement within animal tissues.

Consider the movement capabilities of these filaments. Animal filaments, due to their protein composition, can slide past one another, allowing for dynamic changes in tissue structure. In contrast, plant filaments are more static and do not move in the same way.

Examine the arrangement of these filaments. Plant filaments tend to run parallel to each other, forming a structured network, whereas animal filaments often crisscross, providing a mesh-like support system.

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Key Concepts

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

Extracellular Filaments in Plants

In plants, extracellular filaments are primarily composed of polysaccharides like cellulose, which form a rigid structure in the cell wall. These filaments provide structural support and resist compression forces, helping maintain the plant's shape and integrity. The parallel arrangement of these filaments contributes to the plant's ability to withstand external pressures.

Extracellular Filaments in Animals

Animal extracellular filaments are mainly protein-based, such as collagen and elastin, which are part of the extracellular matrix. These filaments are designed to resist tensile forces, allowing tissues to stretch and return to their original shape. The crisscross arrangement of these filaments provides flexibility and strength, enabling movement and dynamic structural support.

Functional Differences in Filaments

The functional differences between plant and animal extracellular filaments are rooted in their composition and arrangement. Plant filaments, being rigid and parallel, are static and provide structural stability, while animal filaments, being flexible and crisscrossed, allow for movement and adaptability. These differences reflect the distinct mechanical needs of plants and animals in their respective environments.

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