Plasma Membrane

Phospholipid Bilayer

• Hydrophilic phosphate head which points outward and hydrophobic fatty acid tails which point inwards. Bilayer means you have 2 layers (Philic head, phobic tail, phobic tail, philic head). This bilayer allows lipid soluble molecules to pass through it freely, it also prevents water soluble substances to move through it freely and allows for great flexibility of the membrane.

Proteins

• Come as different versions (intrinsic - inside layer of cell/organelle and extrinsic - outside layer of cell/organelle and carrier/channel proteins). Main role of protein is quite wide but they can provide structural suppo rt and glue to hold membranes together; act as hormone receptors; enzymes or other cells for recognition; allow osmosis/diffusion and active transport. Channel proteins allow water…