Explain the fluid mosaic model of the plasma membrane.
G. Nicholson and S. Singer suggested the fluid mosaic model. Each phospholipid layer is bimolecular, with the hydrophilic ends pointing to the top and bottom, respectively. Proteins are divided into two categories: peripheral (extrinsic) and integral (intrinsic). Strong hydrophilic or hydrophobic interactions, or both, hold the integral proteins in place, making them difficult to remove from membranes. This concept explains that the cell membrane is quasi fluid and made up of "protein icebergs in a sea of lipids," as two peripheral proteins are superficially organized on either side membrane selectively permeable.
