Question 15 Marks
Singer and Nicolson proposed the model for membrane. Describe the composition of the membrane.
Answer
View full question & answer→Nicholson and Singer in 1972 proposed this model. The name of this model was fluid mosaic model.
According to this model, each phospholipid layer is bimolecular and their hydrophilic ends are pointed towards top and bottom respectively. In this, protein are of two categories:
i. Peripheral (extrinsic) and
ii. integral (intrinsic)
The integral proteins are tightly held in place by strong hydrophilic or hydrophobic interactions or both and are difficult to remove from the membranes. The peripheral proteins are superficially arranged on either side and can be easily separated. These proteins have enzymatic properties and also make membranes selectively permeable. These proteins are referred to as permeases. This is a widely accepted model.
According to this model, each phospholipid layer is bimolecular and their hydrophilic ends are pointed towards top and bottom respectively. In this, protein are of two categories:
i. Peripheral (extrinsic) and
ii. integral (intrinsic)
The integral proteins are tightly held in place by strong hydrophilic or hydrophobic interactions or both and are difficult to remove from the membranes. The peripheral proteins are superficially arranged on either side and can be easily separated. These proteins have enzymatic properties and also make membranes selectively permeable. These proteins are referred to as permeases. This is a widely accepted model.
