The fluid mosaic model

By Khadeejah

WHAT THE FLUID MOSAIC MODEL IS MADE UP OF

Fluid because the phospholipids can move freely from
side to side, with a mosaic of proteins in-between
them
Phospholipid bilayer
Intrinsic proteins span the bilayer
Extrinsic proteins are partially embedded on the inside
or outside
Cholesterol
Glycolipids & glycoproteins

Functions of the parts

Phospholipid bilayer
In cell membranes phospholipids arrange themselves in a layer two molecules thick with their
hydrophobic tails pointing inwards away from the water both inside and outside the cell.
Glycoproteins and glycolipids
When phospholipid molecules have a carbohydrate part attached they are called glycolipids. Where
protein molecules have a carbohydrate part attatched they are called glycoproteins.
They both act as receptors for chemical signals
Cholestrol
Very common in membranes
Hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tail
Fits between phospholipid molecules
Regulates fluidity of membrane
Increases mechanical stability
Reduces uncontrolled leakage of polar molecules and ions
Channel and carrier proteins
channel proteins allow the movement of some substances
across the membrane.
Carrier proteins actively move substances across the
membrane.