Cells- Structure of a Cell Membrane

• Why are cell membranes described as being fluid mosaic?

  FLUID: Phospholipids molecules are constantly moving.

  MOSAIC: Proteins of different shapes and sizes are embedded in bilayer.
• What are the 5 components of cell-surface membranes?

  Phospholipids

  Cholesterol

  Protein

  Glycoprotein

  Glycolipid
• What are the 3 roles of glycoproteins and glycolipids?

  Cell Adhesion

  Cell Recognition

  Cell Signalling
• Why do phospholipids form a bilayer in an aqueous environment?

  Hydrophilic heads face outwards

  Hydrophobic tails face inwards (away from water).