Question

Explain the fluid mosaic model of plasma membrane. With labeled diagram.
(For 5 marks)​

Answer 1

Answer:

Explanation:

Fluid mosaic model was proposed by Singer and Nicolson in 1972. According to this model, the quasi-fluid nature of lipids enables lateral movement of proteins within the overall bilayer. This ability to move within the membrane is measured as its fluidity. The plasma membrane is composed of lipids that are arranged in a bilayer and within the membrane with the polar head towards the outer sides and the hydrophilic tails towards the inner part. Because of this the nonpolar tail of saturated hydrocarbons is protected from the aqueous environment. The plasma membrane consists of 52% protein and 40% lipids. Peripheral proteins lie on the surface of membrane while the integral proteins are partially or totally buried in the membrane. This model explains the structure of the plasma membrane of animal cells as a mosaic of components such as phospholipids, proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates. These components give a fluid character to the membranes.  Each phospholipid has a hydrophilic head pointing outside and a hydrophobic tail forming the inside of the bilayer.  Cholesterol and proteins are embedded in the bilayer that gives the membrane a mosaic look. Each component has a specific function to perform.

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Answer 2

Answer:

The fluid mosaic model describes the structure of the plasma membrane as a mosaic of components —including phospholipids, cholesterol, proteins, and carbohydrates—that gives the membrane a fluid character. Plasma membranes range from 5 to 10 nm in thickness. For example, myelin contains 18% protein and 76% lipid.