What is the structure of the cell membrane that allow it to do its job?

Answer 1

The cell membrane consists primarily of a thin layer of amphipathic phospholipids which spontaneously arrange so that the hydrophobic "tail" regions are shielded from the surrounding polar fluid, causing the more hydrophilic "head" regions to associate with the cytosolic and extracellular faces of the resulting bilayer. This forms a continuous, spherical lipid bilayer. The arrangement of hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails of the lipid bilayer prevent polar solutes (e.g. amino acids, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, proteins, and ions) from diffusing across the membrane, but generally allows for the passive diffusion of hydrophobic molecules. This affords the cell the ability to control the movement of these substances via transmembrane protein complexes such as pores and gates. Flippases and Scramblases concentrate phosphatidyl serine, which carries a negative charge, on the inner membrane. Along with NANA, this creates an extra barrier to charged moieties moving through the membrane. Membranes serve diverse functions in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. One important role is to regulate the movement of materials into and out of cells. The phospholipid bilayer structure (fluid mosaic model) with specific membrane proteins accounts for the selective permeability of the membrane and passive and active transport mechanisms. In addition, membranes in prokaryotes and in the mitochondria and chloroplasts of eukaryotes facilitate the synthesis of ATP through chemiosmosis.

Answer 2

The structure of lipids help it pact better which causes a better chance of fat storing up. so when fat stores up it, we use it as energy, thus the job of lipids. It also goes along the walls of cell to help develop cell membrance.

Answer 3

The cell membrane is composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins. This structure allows the cell membrane to regulate the movement of substances in and out of the cell, providing selective permeability. The proteins serve various functions such as transport, communication, and structural support.

Answer 4

The phospholipid bilayer, with embedded proteins allows some materials to pass; it's selectively permeable.