SBI4U – Biochemistry Unit

Plasma Cell Membrane – Fluid Mosaic Model

Page reference: pp.

1. Describe the structure of the cell membrane.

It is composed primarily of a double layer of phospholipid molecules called a phospholipid bilayer with
additional peripheral and integral (channel) proteins, glycoproteins and glycolipids as well as sterols
such as cholesterol. Combined, it is referred to as a ‘fluid mosaic.’

2. a) What is the phospholipid bilayer composed of?

It consists of two rows, or layers of phospholipid molecules with polar, hydrophilic phosphate “head”
groups pointing outwards (towards both the exterior and interior of the cell) and the nonpolar,
hydrophobic fatty acid “tails” pointing inward towards each other.

b) Define hydrophilic and hydrophobic.

Hydrophilic – a molecule that dissolves in water. Water “loving.” Polar.
Hydrophobic – a molecule that does not dissolve in water. Water “fearing.” Nonpolar.

c) Using figure 2.7 on page 44, draw a phospholipid molecule. Indicate which end is hydrophobic and
hydrophilic.

Hydrophilic polar (phosphate) head

Hydrophobic nonpolar (fatty acid) tails

d) How are the terms polar and nonpolar related to the phospholipid molecule?
Hydrophilic phosphate groups (heads) are polar.
Hydrophobic fatty acid (hydrocarbon) tails are nonpolar.

3. Explain why the fluid mosaic model is used to describe the appearance of the cell membrane.

The term fluid is used because the phospholipid molecules, proteins, and other membrane
components that make it up are free to drift around/move/migrate in a constant, fluid motion. The
term mosaic is used to describe the diversity and abundance of the various molecules/components of
the membrane. They are placed randomly, and there is no set pattern. The term model indicates this is
a generally well-accepted description/explanation for how the whole system works.
4. Label the parts and indicate the functions of each part in the diagram below.

Polar/
Hydrophilic
head

Nonpolar/
hydrophobic
tails

5. Define
diffusion
Spontaneous movement
of particles from an
area of [high] to [low]. Does NOT require energy. E.g. small nonpolar, uncharged molecules such as oxygen and
carbon dioxide.
6. Complete the table below:
Part of Membrane Function
Act as an attachment site for molecules that need to enter, or carry a message to the
Glycoproteins cell. Highly specific to each individual, and help the cells of your immune system to
recognize foreign cells/pathogens. E.g. A & B antigens on RBCs; Hormone receptors
Cholesterol Help keep the membrane fluid despite changes in temperature

Sugar chains that attach to communication or recognition proteins and lipids.

*Glycocalyx
Serves as the binding site. Can also lubricate cells, and act as an adhesion layer.

7. Proteins play a very important part in the cell membrane. What are the four functions of proteins?
Structural support – often when attached to parts of Communication – Receptor proteins, protruding out
the cell scaffolding or cytoskeleton. E.g. from the plasma membrane, can be the point of
microtubules contact for signals sent to the cell via travelling
molecules such as hormones
Recognition binding sites on some proteins can Transport – serve as channels through which
serve to identify the cell to other cells (immune materials can pass in and out of the cell. E.g. glucose
system) transporter protein

8. What is the difference between an integral protein and a peripheral protein?

Integral proteins are bound to the hydrophobic interior of the membrane and often span (connect) the
outside of the cell to the inside (a.k.a. transmembrane). Peripheral proteins are not bound in this way but
rather freely associate with either the outside or inside of the membrane.
HOMEWORK
Answer the following questions on a separate page.
1. Why are biological models important?
They help explain complex behaviour and interactions in living systems and organisms, especially of
phenomena that are too small to see or cannot be easily replicated or illustrated, and can also help make
predictions about future events and what happens when things go wrong.

2. Draw a sketch of the fluid mosaic model. Your drawing should include the following structures and terms:
hydrophilic heads polar cholesterol
hydrophobic tails non-polar integral proteins
*glycocalyx (sugar chains) peripheral proteins

See diagram above.

3. What is the function of integral proteins?

Some serve as specific carriers or transport channels for molecules that are either too large or too
hydrophilic/polar to pass through the phospholipid bilayer.

Additional (textbook) Qs:

1. What is the function of the cell membrane?

Separates the cell contents from its environment. Is the “boundary”/border of the cell. Used for protection,
cell communication/signalling and especially for transport of materials into and out of the cell.

2. Name and describe the molecules that make up the cell membrane.
Phospholipids – arranged in a bilayer, polar heads are in the wet environments, non-polar tails face each other.
Cholesterol – maintains the fluidity of the bilayer
Proteins – integral or peripheral - recognition, transport, communication
Glycocalyx – sugar chains communication and recognition

3. Describe the different types and functions of the proteins that are found in the cell membrane.
Receptor proteins – protrude out from the plasma proteins can be the point of contact for signals sent to the
cell via travelling molecules – hormones
Transport proteins – channels through which materials can pass in and out of the cells – ions, polar molecules,
large molecules

4. Contrast the terms permeable and selectively permeable.

Permeable – allow for materials to be passed through/across a membrane
Selectively permeable – ability to control what can and cannot pass through. Some substances can pass;
others can’t.

***Note: Glycocalyx refers collectively to any sugar (carbohydrate) chains/residues that attach to proteins,
lipids or other parts of the cell membrane. They are typically used as recognition sites for external molecules
such as hormones to bind to the cell and then potentially enter or else begin a cell-signalling pathway.