BIO 105 EXAM 2 PRACTICE QUESTIONS WITH
DETAILED EXPLANATIONS 2026
◉ function of plasma membrane.
Answer: separation between cell and outside world & allows for
compartments within the cell
◉ amphipathic molecules.
Answer: molecule with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions;
forms a bilayer with hydrophobic tails to the middle (ex.
phospholipids)
◉ steroids.
Answer: helps modify membrane fluidity & cholesterol in animal
cells
◉ integral proteins.
Answer: embedded in plasma membrane
◉ peripheral proteins.
Answer: occur in the cytoplasm next to the plasma membrane
,◉ plasma membrane carbohydrates.
Answer: can be attached to lipids and proteins in the plasma
membrane; important for cell communication, lubrication,
protection & they create a "fingerprint" for the cell
◉ glycolipids.
Answer: lipid in plasma membrane with an attached carbohydrate
chain
◉ glycoprotein.
Answer: protein in plasma membrane that has an attached
carbohydrate chain
◉ function of membrane proteins.
Answer: control cellular contents, chemical reactions (cell
signaling), interact with other cells and environment
◉ channel proteins.
Answer: creates a hole for specific molecules; medical ex. of what
could go wrong -> cystic fibrosis: caused by a faulty chloride channel
& thick mucus collects in lungs, liver and pancreas
◉ carrier proteins.
, Answer: binds and moves specific molecules across; active or
passive transport
◉ cell recognition proteins.
Answer: allow cells to recognize each other vs any "foreign" cells
◉ enzymatic proteins.
Answer: catalyze a specific reaction & pumps for active transport
◉ junction proteins.
Answer: tight junctions join cells - important in tissues & creates a
barrier
◉ receptor proteins.
Answer: shaped so that only a specific molecule can bind
◉ why are there so many different types of membrane proteins?.
Answer: lots of different cell types with different functions; cells
require different proteins to help with their functions
◉ diffusion.
Answer: movement of molecules from high to low concentration
DETAILED EXPLANATIONS 2026
◉ function of plasma membrane.
Answer: separation between cell and outside world & allows for
compartments within the cell
◉ amphipathic molecules.
Answer: molecule with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions;
forms a bilayer with hydrophobic tails to the middle (ex.
phospholipids)
◉ steroids.
Answer: helps modify membrane fluidity & cholesterol in animal
cells
◉ integral proteins.
Answer: embedded in plasma membrane
◉ peripheral proteins.
Answer: occur in the cytoplasm next to the plasma membrane
,◉ plasma membrane carbohydrates.
Answer: can be attached to lipids and proteins in the plasma
membrane; important for cell communication, lubrication,
protection & they create a "fingerprint" for the cell
◉ glycolipids.
Answer: lipid in plasma membrane with an attached carbohydrate
chain
◉ glycoprotein.
Answer: protein in plasma membrane that has an attached
carbohydrate chain
◉ function of membrane proteins.
Answer: control cellular contents, chemical reactions (cell
signaling), interact with other cells and environment
◉ channel proteins.
Answer: creates a hole for specific molecules; medical ex. of what
could go wrong -> cystic fibrosis: caused by a faulty chloride channel
& thick mucus collects in lungs, liver and pancreas
◉ carrier proteins.
, Answer: binds and moves specific molecules across; active or
passive transport
◉ cell recognition proteins.
Answer: allow cells to recognize each other vs any "foreign" cells
◉ enzymatic proteins.
Answer: catalyze a specific reaction & pumps for active transport
◉ junction proteins.
Answer: tight junctions join cells - important in tissues & creates a
barrier
◉ receptor proteins.
Answer: shaped so that only a specific molecule can bind
◉ why are there so many different types of membrane proteins?.
Answer: lots of different cell types with different functions; cells
require different proteins to help with their functions
◉ diffusion.
Answer: movement of molecules from high to low concentration
