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Membrane Structure and Function

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Cell Biology Learning Framework

Society Learning Goals Articles Sample Learning Objectives
Membrane Structure and Function
How do varied membrane composition and the structural features of component macromolecules in different cells contribute to membrane function?
  • Draw the structure of a lipid and explain how the structure allows a lipid bilayer to spontaneously assemble in an aqueous environment.
  • Explain the importance of membrane lipid and protein component structural asymmetries in membrane function.
  • Describe the process by which membranes grow, are turned over, or are absorbed.
  • Explain why different membranes have different lipid and protein constituents.
How do solutes and other materials move across membranes?
  • Given a set of molecules of differing solubility in water, predict their relative rates of diffusion across a membrane bilayer.
  • Compare and contrast the properties and functions of channels and carriers.
  • Given data about the relative concentrations of solutes on both sides of a membrane, predict the direction of solute flow.
  • Design an experiment that distinguishes between different modes of crossing the membrane, such as diffusion, facilitated diffusion, active transport.


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