Factors Affecting Membrane Structure Summary

5.2 Factors Affecting Membrane
Structure
First review @October 10, 2023

Practise Q's Done


Temperature
as temperature increases, kinetic energy of the phospholipid molecules in the bilayer
increases— this increases fluidity of the phospholipid bilayer (if temperature continues to
increase, the bilayer will fully break down) and therefore increases the permeability of
the membrane

intrinsic proteins within the bilayer will begin to denature as temperature increases— this
also increases the permeability of the membrane




Solvents
Phospholipid bilayer is insoluble in polar molecules e.g. water however it is soluble in
non-polar molecules e.g. alcohols and organic solvents

When cell membranes are dissolved the cell is disrupted




5.2 Factors Affecting Membrane Structure 1