Introduction

The structure and function of the plasma membrane is consistent amongst all forms of life.  The plasma membrane serves to separate the interior environment of the cell from the exterior and consists of a double layer of lipids called the phospholipid bilayer.  In this unit, we will explore the structure and function of the phospholipid bilayer.

The following video explains the plasma membrane and its function.

Summary

• The plasma membrane is composed of two layers of phospholipids that is selectively permeable.
• It is a fluid mosaic which means it is embedded with membrane proteins which ‘float” around the membrane.
• Serves as attachment points inside and between cells.

Sources:

“Cell Membrane Structure and Function.” YouTube, Uploaded by Whats up Dude, Jan11, 2018. www.youtu.be/https://youtu.be/pZLlE-I1Le0