Membrane Fluidity

The Importance of Membrane Fluidity

Membrane fluidity provides a perfect compromise between a rigid

structure which makes mobility absent and a completely fluid
where mechanical support would be lacking. It also allows
interactions to take place within the membrane. Because of
membrane fluidity, molecules that interact can come together,
carry out the necessary reaction, and move apart.

Basic cellular processes, including cell movement, cell growth,

cell division, formation of intercellular junctions, secretion, and
endocytosis, depend on the fluidity of the cell membrane.
Functions of the
Membrane
Compartmentalization

► The phospholipid bilayer provides

continuous unbroken compartment that
encloses the intracellular spaces. It allows
the normal functioning of the cell’s
organelles without interference from the
outside environment of the cell.
Selectively Permeable

► The phospholipid bilayer which is bounded by

peripheral protein (glycoprotein and glycolipid)
adds considerably to the selective nature of the
cell membrane. Substances like fat soluble
vitamins (A, B, D and K) and molecules of oxygen,
carbon dioxide, lipid and alcohol can easily pass
to the membrane through passive transport
where there is no the expenditure of energy but is
dependent on the concentration gradient. Ions
(sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride) due to
their charge prevent them from slipping through
the spaces of the bilayer. Water soluble materials
like sugar and amino acids needs channel protein
to pass across the cell membrane.
Transporting Solutes

► The membrane protein bound in the cell

membrane transport different molecules such as
sugar, amino acids and ions from one side of the
cell membrane to another. Transport protein
(integral protein) including channel proteins and
carrier proteins transport molecules differently.
Channel protein forms hole that allow water
molecules small ions to pass through the
membrane while carrier protein change its shape to
allow specific ions to bind and move across the
membrane.
Responding to External Stimuli

► It has receptors (peripheral

protein) that play critical role in the
response of the external stimuli.
Receptors bind to signaling
molecules outside the cell and
initiate physiological responses.
Once a receptor protein receives
signal, it undergoes conformational
change and do series of
biochemical reactions depending
what is needed by the cell.
Cell Recognition

► The peripheral protein such as

glycoprotein bound in the phospholipid
bilayer serves as cell’s identity badge
that recognize pathogens. Glycoprotein
can act as a marker that identify and
recognize each other cells and foreign
substances.