Question

Describe the fluid mosaic model.

Short answer

The fluid mosaic model depicts the cell membrane as a continually flowing pattern of many molecules (phospholipids, cholesterols, and proteins).

Step-by-step solution

Introduction

The fluid mosaic model is one approach to think about biological membranes, and it matches most experimental findings. It helps in understanding the composition of the cell’s plasma membrane.

Fluid mosaic model

The fluid mosaic concept explains several observations about the construction of functioning cell membranes. In this biological model, protein molecules are embedded in a lipid bilayer (a two-molecule thick layer predominantly composed of amphipathic phospholipids).

The fluidity and flexibility of the membrane are provided by the lipid bilayer. The cell membrane also contains small quantities of carbohydrates and is described as a two-dimensional liquid that controls the lateral diffusion of membrane components, according to the biological model developed bySJ Singer and G. L. Nicolson in 1972.

The presence of unique lipid and protein cocoons inside the membrane that encourages the development of lipid rafts or protein and glycoprotein complexes helps to identify such domains.

According to this hypothesis, membrane components such as proteins and glycolipids form a mobile mosaic in a fluid-like environment generated by phospholipids.