Activity: Build your own cell membrane

Name:_______________________

Introduction:
The cell membrane is made up of a phospholipid bilayer with proteins and other components, such
as cholesterol embedded in it. The fluid mosaic model is often used to describe the structure of
a cell membrane. It indicates that the cell membrane is not solid. It is flexible and has a similar
consistency to vegetable oil, so all the individual molecules are just floating in a fluid medium, and
they are all capable of moving sideways within the cell membrane. Mosaic refers to something that
contains many different parts. The plasma membrane is a mosaic of phospholipids, cholesterol
molecules, proteins and carbohydrates. The role of the cell membrane is to protect the cell from its
surroundings, and allow only certain molecules to enter and exit. Thus, it is called a semipermeable membrane.

In this activity we are going to construct a model of the cell membrane, using a computer
simulation.
Instructions:
1. Go to http://www.wisc-online.com/objects/ViewObject.aspx?ID=AP1101
2. Follow the instructions to construct a cell membrane.
Answer the following questions:
1. Define the term lipid:
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2. List the different types of proteins that are found in the membrane
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3. Define hydrophilic and hydrophobic

Hydrophilic:
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Hydrophobi:
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4. What is the function of globular proteins?
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5. What is the function of cholesterol in the phospholipid bilayer?
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6. label a diagram of the cell membrane: