Factors Affecting Plasma Membrane Fluidity
Three elements influence the fluidity of the cell membrane:
Temperature
According to the temperature the phospholipid arrange themselves in cluster if the temperature is cold. Phospholipid separate when the temperature of the surrounding is hot.
Cholesterol
The cholesterol molecules are dispersed randomly along the phospholipid bilayer, holding it together and preventing it from splitting too much or compacting too tightly.
Fatty Acids
Saturated and Unsaturated Fatty Acids: The phospholipid tails are made up of fatty acids. The carbon atoms in saturated fatty acid chains have a single bond, whereas the carbon atoms in unsaturated fatty acid chains have double bonds.
By causing kinks, double bonds make it more difficult for the chain to pack firmly. The fluidity of the membrane is increased by these kinks.
Fluid Mosaic Model
The Fluid mosaic model theory was proposed by Nicolson and Singer. The Fluid Mosaic model depicts the structure of an animal cell’s plasma membrane as a mosaic of phospholipids, cholesterol, and carbohydrates. The membranes take on a fluid quality as a result of these components.
Every phospholipid would have a head that is hydrophilic and outside the bilayer and a hydrophobic tail that molecules with a hydrophilic head and a hydrophobic tail, phospholipids are amphipathic molecules with hydrophilic head and hydrophobic forms the interior. Cholesterol and proteins are embedded in the bilayer, giving it a mosaic appearance. Each component is responsible for a specific task
Table of Content
- What is the Fluid Mosaic Model ?
- Structure of Fluid Mosaic Model
- Components of Fluid Mosaic Model
- Factors Affecting Plasma Membrane Fluidity
- Restriction to Fluidity
- Key Points on Fluid Mosaic Model