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Plasma membrane – Structure and Functions

The plasma membrane is a selectively permeable phospholipid bilayer that surrounds cells and is essential for maintaining cellular integrity, regulating the transport of molecules and ions in and out of the cell, and facilitating cell-to-cell communication and signaling. Keep reading for more detailed A-level Biology revision notes on Plasma Membrane – Structure and functions!

Structure of Plasma Membrane

  • The plasma membrane (also known as the cell membrane or cytoplasmic membrane) is a biological membrane that separates the interior of a cell from its outside environment.
  • It is a fluid mosaic of lipids, proteins and carbohydrate.
  • The plasma membrane is impermeable to ions and most water-soluble molecules.
  • They cross the membrane only through transmembrane channels, carriers, and pumps.
  • These transmembrane proteins provide the cell with nutrients, control internal ion concentrations, and establish a transmembrane electrical potential.
  • A single amino acid change in one plasma membrane pump and Cl− channel causes the human disease cystic fibrosis.
  • The cell membrane is primarily composed of a mix of proteins and lipids.
  • Depending on the membrane’s location and role in the body, lipids can make up anywhere from 20 to 80 percent of the membrane, with the remainder being proteins.
  • While lipids help to give membranes their flexibility, proteins monitor and maintain the cell’s chemical climate and assist in the transfer of molecules across the membrane.
  • The fundamental structure of the membrane is the phospholipid bilayer, which forms a stable barrier between two aqueous compartments.
  • The plasma membrane is composed of a phospholipid bilayer, which is two layers of phospholipids back-to-back.
  • Phospholipids are lipids with a phosphate group attached to them.
  • The phospholipids have one head and two tails.
  • The head is polar and hydrophilic, or water-loving.
  • The tails are nonpolar and hydrophobic, or water-fearing.

Components of the plasma membrane
Components of Plasma Membrane

Illustration showing plasma membrane - structure and functions
Figure: Structure of Plasma Membrane / Source: Cell Biology, Thompson D Pollard, et. al.

Functions of Plasma Membrane

  • The primary function of the plasma membrane is to protect the cell from its surroundings.
  • The plasma membrane also plays a role in anchoring the cytoskeleton to provide shape to the cell, and in attaching to the extracellular matrix and other cells to help group cells together to form tissues.
  • The membrane also maintains the cell potential.
  • The cell membrane interacts with the cell membrane of adjacent cells e.g. to form plant and animal tissues.
  • The cell membrane is primarily composed of proteins and lipids. While lipids help to give membranes their flexibility and proteins monitor and maintain the cell’s chemical climate and assist in the transfer of molecules across the membrane.
  • The lipid bilayer is semi-permeable, which allows only selected molecules to diffuse across the membrane.

Read more about Diffusion and Osmosis

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a plasma membrane?

The plasma membrane is the outer boundary of the cell. It contains the contents of a cell and prevents them from leaking. It is present in all cells. In some cells such as plant cells, it is covered on the outside by a cell wall.

What is the structure of the plasma membrane?

The plasma membrane consists of a lipid bilayer of phospholipids with proteins and carbohydrates suspended in between. 

What are two types of proteins present in the plasma membrane?

The types of proteins are peripheral proteins and transmembrane proteins. The peripheral proteins are present only on one side of the membrane while the transmembrane proteins span the entire thickness of the plasma membrane.

What are the functions of the plasma membrane?

The plasma membrane acts as a barrier that allows only certain substances to pass through it. It maintains the potential of cells, helps in cellular interaction, and protects cells from the surrounding environment.