Function of cell membranes:
- To compartmentalize the cell --> separate different enzymes of different organelles and prevent autolysis
- Control entry and exit of substances
- Increases surface area for exchange of substances
- Cell recognition
- Cell communication
- Site of chemical reactions (eg. light reactions of photosynthesis)
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| Fluid mosaic model |
The cell membrane consists of:
- phospholipids --> head is polar while tail is non-polar
- proteins --> peripheral/integral proteins
- glycoproteins (consists of carbohydrate chains bound to peripheral proteins and hydrophilic regions of integral proteins)
- cholesterol --> maintains membrane fluidity
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