Carrier Proteins: Cell Membrane

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1. Describe briefly the importance of the cell membrane to the cell.
The cell membrane divides the internal and external environments of the cell. It works to achieve homeostasis by controlling the molecules that comes in and goes out of the cell. (Mader & Windelspecht 2014) 2. Describe the structure of cell membrane, including the phospholipid bilayer and the various types of proteins.
A bilayer is formed by the phospholipids of the membrane, hydrophilic heads face the outside and inside of the cell where there is water, whereas hydrophobic molecules are situated with their tails facing each other avoiding the water. Channel proteins allow substances to move across the membrane, some may include a gate that opens after
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List the methods by which substances get into and out of cells.
A channel protein allows molecules of a particular size of charge to pass in or out of cells. Carrier proteins merge with other substances that will allow them to be transported across the plasma membrane. Vesicles form to allow macromolecules and larger materials to pass in and out of cells. (Mader & Windelspecht 2014)
4. Explain the role of carrier proteins. Describe facilitated transport and active transport.
Carrier proteins will combine with specific molecules or ions that will result in a change of shape that will allow these certain molecules to be able to be transported across the membrane. In facilitated transport the carrier protein allows the molecule to pass quicker from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower transportation. Active transport requires the use of energy to move molecules from areas of lower concentrations to areas of high concentrations. (Mader & Windelspecht 2014)
5. Define exocytosis and endocytosis.
Exocytosis is the process of moving molecules outside of the cell whereas endocytosis is the process of moving molecules into the cell. (Mader & Windelspecht 2014) 6. What is the effect of placing a red blood cell in an isotonic, hypertonic, or