Cell Membrane Cell Membane also called Plasma Membrane Its functions are: o o o o Protect the cell Involved

in cell adhesion and Conduction Maintain cell potential Selectively permeable

Cell membrane which envelops the cell, is a thin, pliable, elastic structure , it is - 7.5 10 nm thick . Cell Membrane is composed of: LIPID BILAYER Lipid Bilayer is the basic structure of the cell membrane, it is a thin, double layered film of lipids. It is composed of phospholipid molecules: PHOSPHATE HEAD will always be hydroPHILIC FATTY ACYL CHAIN tails will always be hydroPHOBIC. Protein 55% Phospholipids 25% Cholesterol 13% Lipids 4% Carbohydrates 3%

Hydrophobic portions of the lipid bilayer have a tendency to be attracted to each other because it orients itself away from the contact with water. Hydrophilic head makes contact with the intracellular water (inside) and extracellular water (outside).
Lipid layer in the middle of the membrane - is impermeable to the usual water-soluble substances, such as ions, glucose, and urea. Fat-soluble substances - such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and alcohol, can penetrate this portion of the membrane with ease. Cholesterol molecules in the membrane - are also lipid in nature because their steroid nucleus is highly fat soluble.