Textbook Question
A "9 + 2" arrangement of microtubules is seen in __________ .
a. archaeal flagella
b. bacterial flagella
c. eukaryotic flagella
d. all prokaryotic flagella
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Ch. 3 - Cell Structure and Function
Bauman6th EditionMicrobiology with Diseases by TaxonomyISBN: 9780134832302
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 - A Brief History of Microbiology31
- Ch. 2 - The Chemistry of Microbiology28
- Ch. 3 - Cell Structure and Function39
- Ch. 4 - Microscopy, Staining, and Classification25
- Ch. 5 - Microbial Metabolism51
- Ch. 6 - Microbial Nutrition and Growth37
- Ch. 7 - Microbial Genetics51
- Ch. 8 - Recombinant DNA Technology21
- Ch. 9 - Controlling Microbial Growth in the Environment36
- Ch. 10 - Controlling Microbial Growth in the Body: Antimicrobial Drugs21
- Ch. 11 - Characterizing and Classifying Prokaryotes29
- Ch. 12 - Characterizing and Classifying Eukaryotes34
- Ch. 13 - Characterizing and Classifying Viruses, Viroids, and Prions23
- Ch. 14 - Infection, Infectious Diseases, and Epidemiology35
- Ch. 15 - Innate Immunity34
- Ch. 16 - Adaptive Immunity21
- Ch. 17 - Immunization and Immune Testing29
- Ch. 18 - Immune Disorders22
- Ch. 19 - Pathogenic Gram-Positive Bacteria25
- Ch. 20 - Pathogenic Gram-Negative Cocci and Bacilli28
- Ch. 21 - Rickettsias, Chlamydias, Spirochetes, and Vibrios25
- Ch. 22 - Pathogenic Fungi47
- Ch. 23 - Parasitic Protozoa, Helminths, and Arthropod Vectors44
- Ch. 24 - Pathogenic DNA Viruses23
- Ch. 25 - Pathogenic RNA Viruses30
- Ch. 26 - Applied and Industrial Microbiology29
- Ch. 27 - Microbial Ecology and Microbiomes22
Bauman6th EditionMicrobiology with Diseases by TaxonomyISBN: 9780134832302Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 3, Problem 4
The term fluid mosaic has been used in describing the cytoplasmic membrane. How does each word of that phrase accurately describe our current understanding of a cell membrane?
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Understand the term 'fluid mosaic' by breaking it into two parts: 'fluid' and 'mosaic'.
The word 'fluid' refers to the dynamic and flexible nature of the membrane, meaning that the lipid bilayer is not rigid but allows lateral movement of lipids and proteins within the layer.
The word 'mosaic' describes the membrane's composition, which is made up of various molecules such as phospholipids, proteins, and carbohydrates arranged in a patchwork or mosaic pattern.
Explain how the fluidity allows the membrane to adapt, self-heal, and enable the movement of membrane proteins that perform different functions like transport, signaling, and enzymatic activity.
Describe how the mosaic nature reflects the diversity of components embedded in or attached to the membrane, contributing to its selective permeability and functional complexity.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Fluidity of the Membrane
The term 'fluid' refers to the dynamic nature of the lipid bilayer, where phospholipids and proteins can move laterally within the layer. This fluidity allows the membrane to be flexible, self-healing, and enables the movement of membrane proteins essential for cell function.
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Biological Membranes
Mosaic Structure
'Mosaic' describes the patchwork arrangement of various proteins embedded in or attached to the lipid bilayer. These proteins serve diverse roles such as transport, signaling, and structural support, creating a complex and heterogeneous membrane composition.
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Phospholipid Bilayer Composition
The cytoplasmic membrane is primarily composed of a bilayer of phospholipids, with hydrophilic heads facing outward and hydrophobic tails inward. This arrangement forms a selective barrier that regulates the passage of substances in and out of the cell.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
Which of the following is not a function of a glycocalyx?
a. It forms pseudopods for faster mobility of an organism.
b. It can protect a bacterial cell from drying out.
c. It hides a bacterial cell from other cells.
d. It allows a bacterium to stick to a host.
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Textbook Question
A scientist who is studying passive movement of chemicals across the cytoplasmic membrane of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi measures the rate at which two chemicals diffuse into a cell as a function of external concentration. The results are shown in the following figure. Chemical A diffuses into the cell more rapidly than does B at lower external concentrations, but the rate levels off as the external concentration increases. The rate of diffusion of chemical B continues to increase as the external concentration increases.
a. How can you explain the differences in the diffusion rates of chemicals A and B?
b. Why does the diffusion rate of chemical A taper off?
c. How could the cell increase the diffusion rate of chemical A?
d. How could the cell increase the diffusion rate of chemical B?
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Textbook Question
Which of the following is most associated with diffusion?
a. Symports
b. Antiports
c. Carrier proteins
d. Endocytosis
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Textbook Question
Which of the following is not associated with prokaryotic organisms?
a. Nucleoid
b. Glycocalyx
c. Cilia
d. Circular DNA
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Textbook Question
A local newspaper writer has contacted you, an educated microbiology student from a respected college. He wants to obtain scientific information for an article he is writing about “life” and poses the following query: “What is the difference between a living thing and a nonliving thing?” Knowing that he will edit your material to fit the article, give an intelligent, scientific response.
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