structure of plasma membrane

membrane structure

phospholipid bilayer
embedded molecules

phospholipid ends

hydrophilic head

phospholipid bilayer

double layer of phospholipids that makes up plasma and organelle membranes.

protein role in membrane

transport
signalling between cells
cell to cell recognition

types of proteins in membrane

peripheral

carbohydrate role

adhesion between cells
cell recognition

carbohydrate chains

glycoprotein

cholesterol role

increase stability of plasma membrane without affecting fluidity

fluid mosaic model

fluid: phospholipid bilayer is not a fixed structure and can move around
mosaic: plasma membrane is made up of difference types of molecules

saturated fatty acids

only have single bonds between carbon atoms and can pack very tightly together

unsaturated fatty acids

have some double bonds and cannot pack together as tightly