Plasma Membrane

• The plasma membrane, also known as the cell membrane,

is a vital component of all cells.

• It serves as a boundary separating the intracellular

environment from the extracellular regions.

• Its primary function is to regulate the passage of

substances into and out of the cell, thereby maintaining
cellular balance.
• Hence, plasma membrane is known as the guardian of
cells.
• Historically it was referred to as plasmalemma.
The Fluid Mosaic Model of Plasma Membrane
• The currently accepted model for the structure of the plasma
membrane is the fluid mosaic model.

• Proposed by Singer and Nicolson in 1972.

• According to this model, the plasma membrane consists of lipids and

proteins. The lipid is in the form of fluid and the proteins are
embedded here and there in the lipid in a mosaic pattern. Hence the
name fluid mosaic model.
• The lipids are arranged in the form of two layers, an outer layer and
an inner layer.

• The proteins do not form a layer.

• Each lipid molecule has a hydrophobic tail and a hydrophilic head. The
hydrophilic heads face outwards and the hydrophobic tails of the two
layers face each other.

• Lipid molecules are not rigidly positioned in their respective places.

They are always in a constant motion and undergo lateral diffusions.
While doing so, proteins bound with them also moves.
• Fluid nature: The phospholipids, the primary components of the membrane, can
move laterally within the bilayer, giving the membrane fluidity. This fluidity
allows for flexibility and adaptability. Cholesterol, proteins, and carbohydrates
present in membrane also give the membrane a fluid character. The fluid nature
of plasma membrane allows proteins to move within the membrane, facilitating
interactions and carrying out their roles.

• Mosaic nature: The membrane contains a variety of components, including

phospholipids, proteins, and carbohydrates, which are embedded in the fluid
lipid bilayer.
 Chemical Composition of Cell Membrane
1. Phospholipids

Phospholipids are amphipathic molecules with a hydrophilic (water loving)

head and a hydrophobic (water repelling) tail. These are attached to a
glycerol molecule by a covalent bond. These lipids are called phospholipids
as their head group contain a phosphate group attached with it.

2. Cholesterol

It helps the plasma membrane to retain the fluidity. It is present

between the phospholipids and prevents the compaction of hydrophilic
heads at low temperatures and their expansion at high temperatures.
 3. Proteins
The plasma membrane has three types of proteins. The protein molecules are globular.

Peripheral Proteins: The peripheral proteins are arranged on the surface and are loosely bound
to the lipid. These are found embedded in a single leaflet of the membrane. They carry signals
from one segment of the membrane and relay it to the another.

Integral Proteins: The integral proteins are deeply embedded and are tightly bound to the lipid
molecules. These proteins form channels to allow the movement of large molecules and ions
across the membrane.

Glycoproteins: Some peripheral proteins as well as the outer part of integral proteins are
studded with sugars. Such proteins with attached sugars are called glycoproteins. They stabilize
the membrane and are responsible for intercellular communication.

If the extrinsic proteins are removed from the membrane, there is no disruption in the mem-
brane structure, but if intrinsic proteins are removed, the membrane structure is disrupted.
 4. Salts

Salts of many minerals are present in cell membrane. Which allows the
change in charge inside and outside of the cell. This charge separation is
important for many cellular activities like transport, signalling etc.

5. Nucleic acids

In some organisms only, nucleic acids are found attached to the plasma
membrane in a very low concentration.
 Functions of the Cell Membrane
1. Mechanical Support

Plasma membrane gives a definite shape to the cell. It protects the cell contents
and keeps the cell components in place.

2. Exchange of Materials

Plasma membrane regulates the exchange of materials into and out of the cell. It
allows the needed materials to enter the cell and sends out the unwanted
materials from the cell. This property of the cell membrane is said to be
selective permeability.
3. Biogenesis of Cell Organelles

Certain cell organelles like endoplasmic reticulum, nuclear membrane, etc. develop
from plasma membrane.

4. Absorption

The membrane of intestinal cells have increased surface area. Hence the rate of
absorption increases.

5. Cell Recognition

The sites for cell recognition are located on the surface of the plasma membrane.
This allows the cell to recognize other cell type when they come into contact.
6. Antigenic Specificity

The antigen specificities of the cells are located on the surface of the plasma
membrane (glycoproteins)

7. Transmission of Impulses

The plasma membrane of nerve fibers transmits nerve impulses.

8. Osmosis

The plasma membrane allows the free movement of water. The process of movement
of water molecules from the region of higher water concentration to the region of
lower water concentration is known as osmosis. Exosmosis and endosmosis occur
through membrane
9. Passive Transport or Diffusion

The movement of molecules across the plasma membrane from the region of higher
concentration to a region of lower concentration is called passive transport or
diffusion. Diffusion occurs through pores present in the cell membrane.

10. Active Transport

The movement of molecules and ions from the region of lower concentration to the
region of higher concentration, against the concentration gradient is called active
trans- port. It needs energy. Plasma membrane allows active transport of molecules
across it.
12. Exocytosis or Cell Vomiting

The process of eliminating the secretory products from the secretory cells to the
out- side of the cell cytoplasm is known as exocytosis or cell vomiting. These are
passed out through the plasma membrane.

13.Cytopemphis or endocytosis

Cytopemphis is the transport of materials through a cell. The material passes into
the cell by endocytosis through the plasma membrane.