In: Biology
A. What are the biochemical molecules that make up lipids and what is their arrangement
in biological membranes?
B. Which is the other biopolymer associated with membranes? Explain with a sketch the different forms of this biopolymer in the membrane.
A. Phospholipids are the repeating units of biomembranes. One molecule of phospholipid is made up of one phosphate group and glycerol esterified to one to three molecules of saturated or unsaturated fatty acids.
Phosphate group is present towards the extra- and intracellular surface of the membrane and interacts with the aqueous phase.
Fatty acids are present towards the inner side of the membrane and forms the hydrophobic fatty acid core.
B. Proteins are also present in biological membranes apart from phospholipids. There are two proteins -
Intrinsic | Extrinsic |
Transmembrane proteins | Peripheral proteins |
Span throughout the membrane | present at either extracellular or intracellular surface of the membrane |
Example, receptors meant for transportation of molecules | Example, enzymatic in functions |
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