0One of the most impressive structures to be studied.
Given by Singer & Nicholson, a membrane is double lipid layer where lipids are present almost running parallel in the cell circumference.
In between the lipid layers, lie small proteins, membrane-spanning proteins as well as flip flop proteins ( receptors) too..!!
The small ones help in maintaining the quasi-fluid state of the membrane while the membrane-spanning proteins and the receptor proteins are involved in the transfer of chemicals, hormones as well as cell signalling and Cascade mechanisms.
Semi-permeable in nature, cell membrane acts as a scanner to scrutiny the substances interacting with the cell and helps in determining the type and structure of substances to be allowed for entry.
A cell membrane also offers the formation of plasmodesmata in lower forms and as a protective layer in advanced eukaryotic cells.
Hence, a cell membrane can be termed as a sea of lipids where protein components act as floating icebergs.
The wear n tear of the membrane is repaired with the help of Smooth endoplasmic reticulum as well as Golgi Apparatus by a process known as MEMBRANE BIOGENESIS.
The membrane remains continuously in the motion state, can be considered more so as flowing jelly.
