Question

Citat Caption of Figures Citation 2) compare and contrast the key features of micelles and lipid bilayers, indicating the types of lipids that form each. Note that you should be able to find significant similarities as well as significant differences with the two types of assemblies. ABC I 3) Tetrodotoxin is a very potent neurotoxin that is found in the pufferfish; its toxicity arises from its ability to block sodium channels. Suppose you have a friend who is a non-science major. Your friend is about to study abroad in Japan, where the pufferfish is considered a delicacy. She knows that the pufferfish must be cut just right to remove the toxin. However, she does not know how the toxin actually works. briefly explain to your non-science friend what a sodium channel blocker does and why this could lead to toxicity.

Answer 1

2. Lipid bilayer is formed of two layers of phospholipids. They have glycerol and two fatty acid tails attached. Another group attached is phosphate head which makes it hydrophilic. So these are amphipathic molecules.

Phopholipids form 2 bilayers with the tails facing one another internally. Making the membrane hydrophilic externally on both sides. All biological membranes are phopholipid bilayers. Each phospholipid molecule has 2 fatty acid tails forming the hydrophobic tails. The head region has phosphate group, making it hydrophillic. In a biayer, the arrangement of the molecule is such that heads are towards the exterior and interior is hydrophobic tails.

Micelle are formed of lipids which have a single hydrophobic tail. Head is formed of hydrohilic aminoacids like, glycine or taurine.. Micelle form a monolayer when they are in a medium rich in water. All tails are internally placed and heads are placed externally making it over all a hydrophilic complex.Bile salts are made of cholesterol which is a steroid. The steroid present at the hydrophobic tail and hydrophilic head is made of aminoacids, glycine or taurine. This makes them amphipathic molecule like the phospholipids. Micelle formation is very important in fat digestion and absorption.

Lipid bilayer micelle DOODQ0 101N 99999179 othead othead brod lotail phospholipid Sataih

3.

Tetrodotoxin is a neurotoxin. Which means it is harmful for the functioning of nerves. It is because , it blocks Na channels. Na channels are very important in nerve impulse conduction. They are present in large numbers in the nerves (neurons). These allow Na ions to enter in to the nerve cell and that generates a mild current. This current spreads over the nerve and reaches the muscle. When it reaches the muscle, the muscle will contract. The toxin blocks the Na channels and does not allow the Na to enter in to nerve cell. This prevents muscle contraction leading to paralysis. It can also effect the muscles of breathing which results in death of the individual. So tetrodotoxin is a highly potent toxin.