Cellular Membranes

Abstract

Cellular membranes serve as an effective partition between the cell and its environment, while intracellular membranes compartmentalize cells.  Compartmentalization organizes the cell components and improves efficiency.  Biological membranes act as a barrier to most, but not all, molecules.  The weak intermolecular forces between membrane components (lipids and proteins) results in continuous breaking and reforming of these attractive forces.  The movement of the components and membrane fluidity allows small gaps to form between the components, making biological membranes semi-permeable.

After completing this activity, students will be able to explain noncovalent interactions between components of membranes, the impact of different factors on membrane fluidity, types of movement typical in membranes, and the fluid mosaic model of membranes.

Level: Undergraduate

Environment: Classroom

Activity Type: Learning Cycle

Discipline: Chemistry

Course: Biochemistry

Keywords: membranes, noncovalent forces, lipid bilayer, fluid mosaic model