Unit 2

Singer and Nicolson

• The fluid mosaic hypothesis was formulated by Singer and Nicolson in
the early 1970s.According to this model , membrane are made up of
lipids, proteins and carbohydrates
FLUID MOSAIC MODEL
• Fluid mosaic model describes the structure of plasma
membrane as a mosaic of components including
phospholipids ,cholesterol, proteins, carbohydrates that gives the
membrane a fluid character. Plasma membrane ranges from 5 to 10
nm thickness embedded with phospholipid layer.
• The fluid mosaic model describes the cell membrane as a
tapestry of several types of molecules (phospholipids , cholesterol ,
and proteins)that are constantly moving . This movement helps the
cell membrane maintain its role as a barrier between the inside and
outside of the cell environment.
• Tight junctions are unique organelles in epithelial cells. They are
localized to the apicolateral region and are essential for the epithelial
cell transport functions.
Tight junctions
• Tight junctions are closely associated areas of two cells whose
membrane join together to form a virtually impermeable barrier to
fluid. Tight junctions perform vital functions such as holding cells
together- and form protective and functional barriers.
Cytoskeleton
• The cytoskeleton is a structure that helps cells maintain
their shape and internal organization, and it also provides
mechanical support that enables cells to carry out essential functions
like division and movement. ... Rather, several different components
work together to form the cytoskeleton.
• The filaments that comprise the cytoskeleton are so small
that their existence was only discovered because of the greater
resolving power of the electron microscope. Three major types of
filaments make up the cytoskeleton: actin filaments, microtubules,
and intermediate filaments.
• The cytoskeleton is responsible for contraction, cell
motility, movement of organelles and vesicles through the
cytoplasm, cytokinesis, establishment of the intracellular
organization of the cytoplasm, establishment of cell polarity, and
many other functions that are essential for cellular homeostasis and
survival.
• The cytoskeleton is unique to eukaryotic cells. It is a
dynamic three-dimensional structure that fills the cytoplasm. This
structure acts as both muscle and skeleton, for movement and
stability. ... The primary types of fibers comprising the cytoskeleton
are microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments.