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Transport Proteins on Strike Essay

Decent Essays

Case Study: Newsflash! Transport Proteins on Strike!

1. What is the meaning behind the PHOSPHOLIPIDS’ chant?

Phospholipids make up most of the cell membrane, in a phospholipid bilayer. Phospholipid molecules form two layers, with the hydrophilic (water loving) head facing the extracellular fluid and the cytosol (intracellular) fluid, and the hydrophobic (not water loving) tails facing one another. The cell membrane is constructed in such a way that it is semipermeable, and allows oxygen, CO2 and lipid soluble molecules through easily, while other molecules like glucose, amino acids, water, and ions cannot pass through quite as easily. That is the meaning behind the chant “some things can pass, others cannot!”.

2. Why is …show more content…

4. Could O2 and CO2 make the same claim as GLUCOSE and AMINO ACID? Why or why not?
No. They cross the cell membrane through simple diffusion and don’t need proteins.
Mary Amico
Physiology 141 Section 002
Case Study: Newsflash! Transport Proteins on Strike!

5. The movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide into and out of the cell is called gas exchange. Which two body organ systems are involved in gas exchange? Which type of plasma membrane transport is used for gas exchange? Is this method best? Explain your answer.
The two body organ systems involved in gas exchange are the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. O2 and CO2 cross the cell membrane via simple diffusion. Because cells all throughout the body require oxygen and the removal of carbon dioxide, this simple method of diffusion is the best way to transport such small molecules over a large area as efficiently as possible.

6. PHIL LIPID and PROFESSOR TOSOL discuss the Great Dehydration. Explain what you think occurred during the Great Dehydration. Why are sports drinks recommended to prevent, or treat, dehydration?
The Great Dehydration was a result of a stomach virus which apparently caused the body to lose water. As the body lost water, water moved out of the cells in attempt to keep solute concentrations balanced across the cell membrane. Sports drinks contain water as well as “electrolytes” like

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