Chapter 7 - Plasma Membrane

Phospholipids

Have hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails, which creates a barrier and is selectively permiable

Selectively Permiable

Lets some molecules through but not others

Membrane Fluidity

• Liquid like (olive oil)

• Allows proteins and lipids within a layer

• Proteins and lipids do not flip sides

3 Components that maintain Membrane Fluidity

1) Length of FA

2) Saturation of FA

3) Cholesterol Content

Length of FA

• Shorter = Less interaction

• Longer = More interaction

Saturation of FA

• More saturation = fewer double bonds = tighter packed = higher melting point

• Less Saturation = More double bonds = loser packing = lower melting point

Cholesterol Content

Vary to maintain proper fluidity