Describe the fluid mosaic model of membrane
The characteristic features of fluid mosaic model • This model was proposed by Singer and Nicholson. • According to this model, there is a central bilipid layer (of phospholipids) with their polar head group toward the outside and the non-polar tails pointing inwards. • Some proteins which are embedded in the lipid layer are called integral proteins and they cannot be separated from the membrane easily. • Some large globular integral proteins which project beyond the lipid layer on both the sides are believed to have channels through which water soluble materials can pass across. Those proteins which are superficially attached are called peripheral (extrinsic) proteins and they can be easily removed. • Some membrane lipids and integral proteins remain bound to oligosaccharides; such oligosaccharides project into the extracellular fluid and they influence the manner in which cells interact with the other cell. • There are also certain specific proteins called membrane receptors, which mediate the flow of materials and information into the cell.
