Cell Membrane Structure

Phospholipid Bilayer

A double layer of phospholipids that forms the foundation of the cell membrane, with hydrophilic heads facing out and hydrophobic tails facing in.

Cholesterol

A steroid molecule embedded in the hydrophobic region of the bilayer that helps maintain membrane fluidity and stability.

Glycocalyx

A carbohydrate coat on the cell surface formed by the sugar chains of membrane glycolipids and glycoproteins; crucial for cell recognition and protection.

Integral Proteins

Proteins that are permanently embedded within the phospholipid bilayer, often spanning the entire membrane (transmembrane).

Peripheral Proteins

Proteins that are temporarily attached to the surface of the membrane, often to integral proteins, by non-covalent interactions.

Receptor Proteins

Proteins that bind to specific signaling molecules (like hormones) and trigger a cellular response.

Transport Proteins

Transmembrane proteins that provide a passageway for specific substances to move across the membrane.

Fluid Mosaic Model

The accepted model of the cell membrane, describing it as a fluid phospholipid bilayer with a "mosaic" of various proteins embedded in it.