Biology 2 Cells Transport Across the membrane ( Membrane structure)

cell membrane

At this level should be called the plasma membrane

functions of the membrane

separate organelles from the cytoplasm

Control the exit and entry of materials into the cell.

provides internal support

isolate enzymes that might damage the cell

and finally provide a site for reactions, e.g protein synthesis

components of the plasma membrane

phospholipids

cholesterol

proteins

glycolipids

glycoproteins

fluid mosaic

it is called the fluid mosaic because as ‘fluid the membrane moves up and down very similar to a Mexican wave, and mosaic, the way the components are scattered around the membrane.