What is meant by the "fluid-mosaic" model of cell membrane structure?

The cell membrane consists of a double layer of phospholipids, with proteins floating in it. Phospholipids are a type of molecule with a phosphate head, and fatty tails, which form a double layer around the cell. The proteins sit within the membrane at intervals, which is why the cell membrane is a "mosaic". It is described as "fluid" because the proteins can move around within the membrane, by moving between the phospholipids.

HH

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Enzymes are proteins. Antarctic fish may have different structure of enzymes to non-antarctic fish. Explain how their enzyme structure may be different.


Explain what causes the Bohr shift to occur, and give one situation in which this is useful.


Describe the path of a red blood cell through the heart


Explain the mechanism of expiration in the human body.