A researcher prepared two types of artificial lipid bilayers: one consisting only of phospholipids, and the other containing phospholipids and cholesterol. The fluidity of each bilayer was measured at 10°C and 40°C. At 10°C, the bilayer with cholesterol had higher fluidity than the bilayer without cholesterol. At 40°C, the bilayer with cholesterol had lower fluidity. Explain these observations in terms of the fluid mosaic model and the roles of cholesterol and other components of cell surface membranes.
CAIE A Level Biology 9700 · Cell membranes and transport
Cell membranes and transport: explain question
Explain6 marksChallenge
How this question is marked
6 marks, so the mark scheme is looking for about 6 separate creditworthy points. Making the same point twice in different words earns it once.
Explain means: Give the reasons or the mechanism: why or how something happens. Link each point to the next with because, so or which means. A list of facts with no links usually loses the reasoning marks.
More Cell membranes and transport questions
- 7 marks · A student conducted an investigation using samples of potato tissue (plant cells) and mammalian red blood cells (animal cells). She placed…
- 5 marks · A student investigated the water potential of potato tissue by cutting identical cylinders and immersing them in sucrose solutions of…
- 6 marks · A researcher investigated the uptake of a sugar, glucoside X, into root cells of a plant. The rate of uptake was measured under different…
- 6 marks · A researcher investigates the effect of cholesterol on membrane fluidity using artificial phospholipid bilayers. Two types of liposomes…
- 5 marks · A student investigated the water potential of potato tissue using a series of sucrose solutions of known concentration. Cylinders of…
- 5 marks · In an animal, a signalling molecule produced by an endocrine gland travels to its target cells. Describe the sequence of events that…
Written by Markquill to follow the Cambridge International syllabus. Markquill is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge International.