Structure of Cell Membrane

Surabhi Roll No. - 39

Thin, pliable, elastic structure enveloping the cell body It is semipermeable allowing selective passage to certain substances through it & separating ECF from ICF

Approximate thickness : 7.5-10 nm

Composition
Proteins - 55 %

Phospholipids - 25 %
Cholesterol - 13 % Other Lipids - 4 % Carbohydrates - 3 %

 Lamellar / Sandwich Model Danielli & Davson

in 1935 proposed that CM is made up of a lipid layer sandwiched between two layers of proteins.

Theories for structure of Cell Membrane

Unit Membrane Concept
proposed by Robertson in 1957 on basis of electron microscopic studies. According to him all the cellular and organellar membranes are structurally and functionally similar.

 All these models failed to explain the

elasticity and selective permeability of the Cell Membrane

Theories for structure of Cell Membrane

Fluid Mosaic Model

-Most accepted theory

-Proposed by Singer & Nicholson in 1972 -Membrane is formed as Protein Iceberg in

a sea of phospholipids.
-Phospholipids are arranged in a bilayer

The hydrophilic phosphate end of outer layer faces the ECF & those of inner layer faces the ICF.

The hydrophilic fatty acid part attach to each other in the center of membrane
The layer globular protein molecules are interspersed in the lipid film.

The entire surface of the cell often has a loose carbohydrate coat called Glycocalyx

Major lipids present is phospholipid such as Phosphatidyl choline and Phosphatidyl ethanolamine.
In eukaryotes, Cell membrane also contains various glycosphyngolipids, sphingomyelin and cholesterol.

Functions of Lipids

Forms a semipermeable membrane.

Allows fat soluble substances like O2, CO2 and alcohol to pass through it. Cholesterol determines degree of permeability of the bilayer to water soluble substances and controls fluidity of membrane.

Globular mass floating in lipid bilayer most of which occur as glycoproteins (arginine, lysine rich) Two types of proteins occur1) Integral Proteins

2) Peripheral Proteins

Integral Proteins - Protrude all the way through the membrane - Some proteins remain confined in the lipid bilayer while some extend from outside to inside, i.e. , are TRANSMEMBRANOUS, e.g., Cell adhesion proteins, cell junction and transport proteins. - Tightly bound to the membrane

Peripheral Proteins - partially embedded in the outer & inner surfaces of membrane

- loosely bound with integral proteins or

lipid layer & dissociate readily

Pumps The integral proteins serve as pumps actively transporting ions across the membrane.

Carriers - Proteins like permeases & translocases transport substances down electrochemical gradient by facilitated diffusion.

Channels - Provide passage for water and water soluble substances.

Receptors These function as receptors that bind ligands or messenger molecules initiating physiological changes inside the cell. Enzymes Proteins also function as enzymes catalysing reactions at the surfaces of membrane.

Cell adhesion molecules Anchor cells to their neighbours and basal lamina.

Occur in combination with protein or lipid as glycoprotein and glycolipid The glyco portion protrude to the outside of the cell, dangling outside from surface Proteoglycans remain loosely attached to outer surface thus coating entire outside surface

Functions of Carbohydrates

Repel negatively charged particles Acts as receptor substances for hormones

Play role in immune reaction

Oligosaccharides are involved in cell to cell recognition as in fertilisation.

Protective Forms outermost boundary of cell organelles Digestive Takes in food and excrete waste products Selective Permeability Helps in maintaining difference in composition of ECF and ICF Insulating Properties Has a high insulating valve and can stand without breaking down about one million volts per meter Links adjacent cells together by junctional complexes (gap junctions, desmosomes, etc.) to form tissues

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