High School Biology : Understanding the Cell Membrane and Cell Wall

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for High School Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #51 : Common Cell Structures

Which of the following are true of cell walls?

Possible Answers:

They provide support and protection for the cell

They are made of lipids

They are made only of carbohydrates

They are a double layer of phospholipids

Correct answer:

They provide support and protection for the cell

Explanation:

The cell wall provides support and protection for the cell.  Most are made from carbohydrate and protein.  They are not made of phospholipids or lipids.

Example Question #51 : Cell Biology

Which of the following is another name for the cell membrane?

Possible Answers:

Plasma membrane

Phospholipid bilayer

Semipermeable membrane

Cytomembrane

All of these

Correct answer:

All of these

Explanation:

All these answers are correct and can be used interchangeably, so it's good to be aware of all of them. All cells have a cell membrane, regardless of organism, to separate their internal environment from their external environment. The term plasma membrane refers to the cytoplasm within the cell that the membrane is separating from the external environment. Phospholipid bilayer describes the molecular makeup of the cell membrane as it is composed of a double layer of amphiphilic (something that is both hydrophobic/lipophilic and hydrophilic) phospholipids. Semipermeable membrane refers to the ability of the membrane to allow certain substances cross from one side to the other, while restricting the passage of other substances. Cytomembrane uses the Greek root "cyto", meaning cell, to create a compound word that in the end means the same thing as cell membrane.

Example Question #54 : Cell Biology

The major component of cell membranes is __________.

Possible Answers:

glucose

phospholipids

starch

amino acids

galactose

Correct answer:

phospholipids

Explanation:

Cell membranes are composed of a phospholipid bilayer. Phospholipids have hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails. The tails come together to form the hydrophobic inside of the membrane, whereas the hydrophilic heads face the outside of the cell and the inside aqueous cytoplasm. 

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