The Fluid Mosaic Model of a Cell Membrane

Research Done:

The Fluid Mosaic Model:

-describes the cell membrane of animal cells

-has 2 layers of phospholipids (fats with phosphorous attached), which at body temperature are like vegetable oil. (fluid)

-Phospholid Molecule:

      -Each phospholid molecule has a head that is attracted to water (hydrophilic) and a tail that repels water (hydrophobic).

- Both layers of cell membrane have the hydrophilic heads pointing outwards, with the hydrophobic tails on the inside of the bilayer.

-Proteins and substances such as cholesterol become embedded in the bilayer, giving the membrane the look of a mosaic.

-Because the plasma membrane has the consistency of vegetable oil at body temperature, the proteins and other substances are able to move across it. (fluid)

Resources:

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/the-fluidmosaic-model-of-the-cell-plasma-membrane.html