Why do proteins not pass through plasma membranes?
They contain nitrogen.
They cause emulsification.
The membrane is made of protein.
They are very large molecules.
They bind to the phospholipids.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale: Proteins contain nitrogen, but this is not the reason why they cannot pass through plasma membranes. Nitrogen is a common element in many organic molecules, including nucleic acids and amino acids, which can cross the membrane under certain conditions.
Choice B rationale: Proteins do not cause emulsification, which is the process of breaking down large fat droplets into smaller ones. Emulsification is facilitated by bile salts, which are amphipathic molecules that have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions. Proteins are not amphipathic, and they do not interact with fats in this way.
Choice C rationale: The membrane is made of protein, but this does not prevent proteins from passing through it. The membrane is composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins, which can act as channels, carriers, receptors, or enzymes for various substances. Some proteins can cross the membrane by using these transport proteins, or by endocytosis or exocytosis.
Choice D rationale: Proteins are very large molecules, and this is the main reason why they cannot pass through plasma membranes. The size of a molecule determines its permeability across the membrane, and proteins are too big to diffuse through the small gaps between the phospholipids or the pores of the transport proteins. Proteins can only cross the membrane by vesicular transport, which requires energy and specific signals.
Choice E rationale: Proteins do not bind to the phospholipids, which are the main components of the membrane. Phospholipids are also amphipathic molecules, with a hydrophilic head and a hydrophobic tail. Proteins are generally hydrophilic, and they do not associate with the hydrophobic core of the membrane. Proteins can bind to other proteins or carbohydrates on the surface of the membrane, but this does not affect their ability to cross it.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Sudan IV is a stain used to stain lipids. It is a red powder that dissolves in lipids and stains them red, but does not react with sugars. ¹
Choice B rationale: Benedict's is a reagent used to test for reducing sugars. It is a blue solution of copper (II) sulfate, sodium carbonate, and sodium citrate that reduces the copper (II) ions to copper (I) ions when heated with a reducing sugar, forming a red, orange, or green precipitate of copper (I) oxide. ⁴
Choice C rationale: Biuret is a reagent used to test for proteins and polypeptides. It is a blue solution of copper (II) sulfate and sodium hydroxide that forms a violet or pink complex with the peptide bonds in proteins or peptides. ⁸
Choice D rationale: Phenol red is a pH indicator. It is a red solution that changes color from yellow to red over the pH range 6.8 to 8.2, and from pink to fuchsia over 8.2 to 10.0. It does not react with sugars. ¹¹
Choice E rationale: Iodine is a reagent used to test for starch. It is a brown solution of iodine and potassium iodide that forms a blue-black complex with the starch molecules. It does not react with simple sugars. ¹⁴
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Sudan IV is not a reagent for protein detection, but a reagent for lipid detection. Sudan IV is a red dye that binds to non-polar molecules, such as fats and oils. Sudan IV stains lipids red, while leaving water-soluble molecules, such as proteins, unstained¹.
Choice B rationale: Benedict's is not a reagent for protein detection, but a reagent for sugar detection. Benedict's is a blue solution that contains copper sulfate, sodium carbonate, and sodium citrate. Benedict's reacts with reducing sugars, such as glucose and fructose, and reduces the copper ions from blue to orange-red².
Choice C rationale: Biuret is a reagent for protein detection. Biuret is a blue solution that contains copper sulfate and sodium hydroxide. Biuret reacts with peptide bonds, which are the bonds that link amino acids in proteins. Biuret changes color from blue to violet when it binds to protein molecules³.
Choice D rationale: Iodine is not a reagent for protein detection, but a reagent for starch detection. Iodine is a brown solution that forms a complex with starch, a polysaccharide composed of glucose units. Iodine changes color from brown to blue-black when it interacts with starch molecules⁴.
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