Cell membrane structure + structure

Use a fluid mosaic model to explain its structure

• fluid means the components can move

• mosaic means there are lots of little bits

1. Phospholipid bilayer

   • phosphate heads that are hydrophobic

   • fatty acids tails that are hydrophobic

2. Cholesterol is embedded in the bilayer

3. Proteins

   • on the surface or transect the bilayer

   • stationary or in motion

Cell membrane functions

1. Physical barrier: between the internal + external environment

2. Transport: helps regulate substances in/out of cell

3. Sensitivity: receptors detect changes in the environment + it provides binding sites

4. Support: anchors to the cytoskeleton or adjacent cells (for extra strength)

5. Recognition: identify your own cells from foriegn bodies