The Plasma Membrane

Functions of the Plasma Membrane

Hold the cell together Control what goes in and out (diffusion, osmosis, active transport) Protect the cell Allow the cell to recognize and be recognized Bind to other cells and molecules A site for biochemical reactions

Holding the cell together

The phospholipid bilayer composes the majority of the plasma membrane.

Selectively Permeable
The plasma membrane is selectively permeable. This means that it allows only some substances across.

Other parts of the plasma membrane

Integral proteins Enzymes sites for chemical reactions Pumps for active transport of molecules Glycoproteins combine with carbohydrates to make chemical receptors and identification markers.

Peripheral protein act as receptors and recognize other cells. Only associated temporarily with membrane.

Cholesterol affects membrane fluidity at different temperatures

The Fluid Mosaic Model

Fluid = always moving, not solid Mosaic = a collection of things stuck together Model = a representation of real life.

The fluid mosaic model tells us that the structure of the membrane is flexible, adaptable and in motion. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rl5EmUQdku I