OVERVIEW:

 Because the detailed molecular structure of a cell membrane cannot be seen, models have
attempted to explain the structure.
 The current accepted understanding is based on a model proposed in 1952 by Singer and
Nicolson, called the fluid mosaic model of cell membranes.
 It is accepted because behaviour of membranes, estimated surface area, chemical analysis
and electron microscope studies are all compatible with the model.
 

THE FLUID MOSAIC MODEL:

Cell membrane structure and function
(revision)
 Cell membrane controls exchange of material between internal and external environment of
the cell.
 Selectively permeable (fluid mosaic)
 Structure allows concentration of substances inside cells to remain relatively constant and
different from external environment
 Cell membranes are able to break and reassemble themselves when needed such as during
cell division.
 Encloses content of cell
 Involved with cell recognition and communication with other cells

Fluid mosaic model

 Fluid mosaic model proposes a 'lipid sea' with 'many various proteins floating on and in it'
 Describes cell membrane as double layer of lipids (lipid bilayer) with the ability to flow and
change shape like a two-dimensional fluid.
 Specialised protein molecules are embedded in the lipid in various patterns like a mosaic.
Some of these proteins can move sideways, but others are fixed in position.
 Proteins and phospholipids help to control the exchange the materials between the external
and internal environments.
 
Liquid component
 Fluid part of cell membrane is made up of two layers of phospholipids (phospholipid bilayer)
 Layering gives name 'bilayer'
 Molecules form a bilayer by positioning the water-attracting heads facing outwards (towards
the cytoplasm on one side and to the outside of the cell on the other side)
 The water-repelling tails are positioned inwards- towards each other.
 Layering is not rigid in structure, hence 'fluid'
 Lipid called cholesterol is interspersed among the phospholipid molecules in animals cells
which makes membrane more flexible. However, in plants it is increased by phytosterol (a
different phytosterol)
 These lipids allow membranes to be more flexible and repair themselves which means that
cells can change shape and grow.
 
Membrane proteins
 Protein molecules are scattered throughout and suspended in the lipid bilayer.
  Some proteins penetrate all the way through the bilayer, forming channels that allow some
materials to cross the membrane whilst others are party embedded in the membrane
Some proteins are fixed in place, and some travel freely.
 Proteins 'float' on the lipid bilayer like icebergs in a lipid sea, giving a mosaic effect
 
 Function
 Some proteins function as pores (temporary or permanent) or form active carrier systems
(channels for transport)
 Other proteins (glycoproteins) have carbohydrates attached for cell recognition.
 These proteins enable cell-to cell interaction and communication + the exchange of
substances between the cell and outside the cell. E.g adhesion proteins link cells together to
help maintain the organisms
3D structure
 
 Types of protein
 
Transport proteins
 are like passageways that allow specific substances to move across the membrane.
 
Receptor proteins
 are (different in different cells) cause cells to respond only to certain signals from substances
like hormones that bind to them, giving them specific functions
 
Membrane recognition or proteins (glycoproteins)
 are made up of protein molecule with a carbohydrate molecule attached.
 identify the cell and allow the immune system to distinguish between foreign (non-self)
particles and the body's own ('self) cells so that the immune system will destroy only foreign
particles that display 'non-self' markers.
 Called antigens or 'marker molecules'