Question

"Biomembranes are fluid and dynamic".How does fluid mosaic model justify the statement.

Answer 1

Dear student,
Fluid mosaic model describes the structure of plasma membrane as two dimensional lipid layers in which protein and lipid molecules remain diffused. Cell membrane is composed of a lipid bilayer, with a polar head towards the outer side, and hydrophobic tails towards the inner side. So, the non-polar, hydrophobic tail is protected from aqueous environment. Proteins and carbohydrates are also present in the membrane. Membrane proteins can be integral (lying buried in the membrane) or peripheral (lying on the surface of the membrane). Fluid mosaic model shows the quasi-fluid nature of lipids enables lateral movement of proteins within the bilayer. Fluidity is the measure of the ability of the membrane to allow movement within itself. Fluid nature of the membrane is important for cell division, cell growth, the formation of intercellular junctions, secretion and endocytosis. So, we can say that biomembranes are fluid and dynamic.

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