How does a cell membrane maintain homeostasis within a cell?
The plasma membrane is a dynamic structure. It is composed of 2 layers of lipid material with protein molecules located through out. The phospholipids have 2 definite ends, a hydrophilic (focusing to the outside and inside of the membrane) and a hydrophobic one (forming the center of the membrane). The proteins are of two types Integral (passing through the width of the membrane (act as transport channels) and peripheral (act as recognition sites). These peripheral proteins contain carbohydrates to help in cell to cell recognition. These carbohydrates are called oligosaccharides. If they bind to proteins they become glycoproteins, if they bind to lipids, they become glycolipids. Cholesterol molecules are found in animal membranes to help add support to its structure. The majority of the phospholipids contain unsaturated fatty acids to keep it fluid. How the membranes allows materials across the membrane. 1. Hydrophobic molecules (hydrocarbons and oxygen) can cross with ease because the
