Section 2
Cell Membranes and the Fluid Mosaic Model
Book
Version 29
By Boundless
By Boundless
Boundless Anatomy and Physiology
Physiology
by Boundless
3 concepts
![Thumbnail](../../../../../../figures.boundless-cdn.com/31416/raw/embrane-detailed-diagram-4.jpg)
Components of Plasma Membranes
The plasma membrane protects the cell from its external environment, mediates cellular transport, and transmits cellular signals.
![Thumbnail](../../../../../../figures.boundless-cdn.com/18618/square/figure-05-01-03.jpeg)
Fluid Mosaic Model
The fluid mosaic model describes the plasma membrane structure as a mosaic of phospholipids, cholesterol, proteins, and carbohydrates.
![Thumbnail](../../../../../../figures.boundless-cdn.com/20157/square/figure-05-01-01.jpeg)
Membrane Fluidity
The mosaic nature of the membrane, its phospholipid chemistry, and the presence of cholesterol contribute to membrane fluidity.