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Plasma Membrane

Definition

The plasma membrane is a thin layer that separates the inside of cells from their environment. It controls what enters or leaves the cell.

Related terms

Cell Wall: A rigid layer lying outside the plasma membrane of plant cells, fungi, bacteria; provides support and protection.

Lipid Bilayer: A universal component of all cell membranes; it's composed mainly of phospholipids arranged into two layers.

Cytoplasm: The material within a living cell, excluding the nucleus.

"Plasma Membrane" appears in:

Study guides (7)

  • AP Biology - 2.1 Cell Structure: Subcellular Components

  • AP Biology - 2.2 Cell Structure and Function

  • AP Biology - 2.3 Cell Size

  • AP Biology - 2.6 Membrane Transport

  • AP Biology - 2.7 Facilitated Diffusion

  • AP Biology - 2.9 Mechanisms of Transport

  • AP Biology - 4.2 Introduction to Signal Transduction

Practice Questions (10)

  • The structure of biological molecules determines how they behave. In a cell's plasma membrane the saturation of carbon found in the fatty acid tails can change membrane flexibility. Which statement best explains this?

  • To be embedded in the plasma membrane, a channel protein must be __ on its exterior surface.

  • Phospholipid __ are at the surface of the plasma membrane bilayer, while the __ are in the internal portion of the bilayer.

  • A small amount of water ______ pass through the plasma membrane without assistance

  • Which of the following is a function of the plasma membrane?

  • What is the main structural component of the plasma membrane?

  • Which type of protein is embedded within the plasma membrane?

  • What is the role of carbohydrates on the plasma membrane?

  • Which of the following substances can freely pass through the plasma membrane?

  • Which of the following is a function of the plasma membrane?

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Cram Mode

AP Score Calculators

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.