Christian Angel A.

Gomez
STEM 12-TESLA

Let us answer the following questions. Explain your answer. Write your answer in your
activity notebook.
1. Explain the orientation of the phospholipid molecules in the presence of water.

The orientation of the phospholipid molecules in the presence of water explains why water
is considered a universal solvent. The molecules are arranged so that the polar head group is
hydrophilic, or water-loving, and the long, hydrophobic, or water-hating, tails are arranged in
the middle of the membrane. This gives the membrane a hydrophobic core and a hydrophilic
surface. The hydrophobic tails are non-polar and cannot interact with water molecules.

2. Enumerate the structures found in a plasma membrane and give the function of
each.

 Phospholipid - This basic cellular structure acts as a barrier to protect the cell against
various environmental insults and more importantly, enables multiple cellular
processes to occur in subcellular compartments.
 Cholesterol - Cholesterol is a fat-like, waxy substance that helps your body make cell
membranes, many hormones, and vitamin D. 
 Aquaporins - are integral membrane proteins that serve as channels in the transfer of
water, and in some cases, small solutes across the membrane. 

3. How do diffusion and facilitated diffusion differ?

Diffusion is a process that allows molecules or ions to move into or out of a tissue or
organ. Diffusion is important for delivering nutrients and removing toxins from the body.
Diffusion often occurs through membranes. The diffusion of solutes through transport
proteins in the plasma membrane is referred to as facilitated diffusion. Facilitated diffusion is
a type of passive transport. Even though transport proteins are involved in facilitated
diffusion, it is still passive transport because the solute moves down the concentration
gradient.

4. How do endocytosis and exocytosis allow movement of materials in and out of the
cell?

Plasma membranes are thin, lipid bilayers that are embedded in the cell membrane. These
membranes allow for the selective uptake and release of materials into and out of cells.
Endocytosis and exocytosis are two important mechanisms by which these membranes allow
for the movement of materials.