We survive at the mercy of our

lipid bilayer-
Cell Membrane
 The Cell Membrane
•All cells are separated from
the external environment by a
Cell Membrane
• Membrane is a
semipermiable membrane
that allows certain materials
in/out of cells.
•It is composed of many
components.
–Phospholipids
–Cholesterol
–Proteins
• Phospholipids
–Very similar to
triglycerides (glycerol and
lipid)
This is a simple representation of
a phospholipid. the yellow
structure represents the
HYDROPHILLIC or water loving
section of the phospholipids.
The blue tails that come off of
the sphere represent the
HYDROPHOBIC or water
fearing end of the
Phospholipids.
 Phospholipids & Water
• This poses a problem for the molecule since the molecule is both
polar and non-polar simultaneously.
• It is therefore very unstable in water, polar end is attracted to it,
non polar tails are repelled by it.
• This forces the phospholipids to take an arrangement such that
their tails face each other. This accomplishes 2 things..
– The polar heads can be near polar water molecules
– The non-polar tails can be near each other.
 The Lipid Bilayer
• As the layer
enlarges it forms a
bubble shape
formed of a lipid
bilayer which is the
foundation of the
cell membrane
•
Head- polar, phosphorus, philic (loves water)

Tail, non polar, lipid, phobic,(repels water)

More Membrane Components
• The membrane requires a few more components to
make it complete:
• Cholesterol
– Functions to hold the membrane together like glue.
Adds strength to the membrane.
• Proteins (2 types)
• Intrinsic Proteins
– Extend into or through lipid bilayer
– Often are channel proteins allowing large molecules
in/out
• Extrinsic Proteins
– Exist only on surfaces of the bilayer
– Often serve as receptor molecules
– Glycoproteins serve as cellular markers (nametags)
 The Fluid Mosaic Model
• Entire model is referred to as the Fluid Mosaic
model of the plasma membrane