What is the Fluid Mosaic Model ?
The Fluid mosaic model was proposed by S.J. Singer and Garth L. Nicolson which demonstrates the structure of a cell membrane in which the flexible lipid layer is being spread with large protein molecules. According to the mosaic model, the components of a membrane such as the proteins in the fluid like environment to form a mobile mosaic created by the sea of phospholipids.
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