Multiple Choice
In the context of the lipid bilayer, what is the primary function of the cell (plasma) membrane?
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8. Membrane Structure
The Lipid Bilayer
Multiple Choice
Cationic detergents disrupt the cell membrane primarily by which mechanism?
A
They block aquaporins and ion channels, stopping osmosis and thereby mechanically tearing the membrane.
B
They insert their hydrophobic tails into the lipid bilayer and their positively charged heads interact with negatively charged membrane components, solubilizing lipids and causing membrane leakage/lysis.
C
They covalently cross-link phospholipid head groups, rigidifying the bilayer and preventing lateral diffusion.
D
They specifically hydrolyze phospholipids into fatty acids and glycerol, removing the bilayer without forming micelles.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the structure of cationic detergents: they have a hydrophobic tail and a positively charged (cationic) head group.
Recall the composition of the cell membrane: a phospholipid bilayer with negatively charged components on the surface, such as phosphate groups.
Analyze how the positively charged heads of cationic detergents interact electrostatically with the negatively charged membrane components.
Recognize that the hydrophobic tails of the detergents insert themselves into the lipid bilayer, disrupting the normal lipid packing.
Conclude that this insertion and interaction solubilize membrane lipids, leading to membrane leakage or lysis, rather than blocking channels, cross-linking lipids, or hydrolyzing phospholipids.
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