Molecular Cell Biology
Molecular Cell Biology
8th Edition
ISBN: 9781464183393
Author: Harvey Lodish, Arnold Berk, Chris A. Kaiser, Monty Krieger, Anthony Bretscher, Hidde Ploegh, Angelika Amon, Kelsey C. Martin
Publisher: W. H. Freeman
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Question
Book Icon
Chapter 7, Problem 1RTC
Summary Introduction

To write:

How the lipid bilayer creates the image of "railroad track".

Introduction:

Both the unicellular and multicellular organisms' cells are surrounded by the membrane known as plasma membrane or cell membrane. Plasma membrane can be defined as the cell outline or its borders, which give it a shape and determines the nature of its interaction with its environment.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Explanation of Solution

Any cell cannot live without a cell membrane due to the specific functions performed by it. They are necessary as like the DNA and proteins to the cell. The cell membrane is very flexible so that it can easily allow the specific substance to move inside and outside the cells. The surface of the plasma membrane carries markers, which allow the cells to recognize between the self and non-self during the tissue or organ formation. It is usually composed of proteins and phospholipids and exists as a lipid bilayer.

By using the electron micrographs, the bilayer structure of the cell membrane is defined. Cell membrane appears like two dense lines of the lipids which are separated by the intervening space. Morphologically this appears like a railroad track. This image formed by the binding of electron-dense heavy metals to the polar heads groups of the phospholipids which appear as dark or dense lines.

These lines are filled and separated by the lightly stained interior portion of the membrane, which consists of hydrophobic fatty acid chains. Phospholipids perform the function of barriers between the two aqueous compartments. Interior of the phospholipids is spaced by the hydrophobic fatty acids and impermeable to water soluble molecules.

.

Conclusion

Hence, railroad track image is formed by the phospholipids as dark lines and hydrophobic fatty acids as the intervening space.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
Biology
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Biology 2e
Biology
ISBN:9781947172517
Author:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Publisher:OpenStax
Text book image
Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
ISBN:9781259398629
Author:McKinley, Michael P., O'loughlin, Valerie Dean, Bidle, Theresa Stouter
Publisher:Mcgraw Hill Education,
Text book image
Molecular Biology of the Cell (Sixth Edition)
Biology
ISBN:9780815344322
Author:Bruce Alberts, Alexander D. Johnson, Julian Lewis, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter
Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company
Text book image
Laboratory Manual For Human Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
ISBN:9781260159363
Author:Martin, Terry R., Prentice-craver, Cynthia
Publisher:McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.
Text book image
Inquiry Into Life (16th Edition)
Biology
ISBN:9781260231700
Author:Sylvia S. Mader, Michael Windelspecht
Publisher:McGraw Hill Education
The Cell Membrane; Author: The Organic Chemistry Tutor;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsffT7XIXbA;License: Standard youtube license