outline 2 properties of plasma membrane

Selective Permeability

• The plasma membrane regulates the entry and exit of substances, allowing only specific molecules to pass through.

• This selective permeability is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and enabling processes like nutrient uptake and waste removal.

• It ensures that essential molecules enter the cell while harmful substances are excluded.

• The membrane’s selective permeability is facilitated by its lipid bilayer structure and embedded proteins.

Fluidity

• The plasma membrane exhibits a fluid-like nature, allowing its components to move laterally within the layer.

• This fluidity is essential for membrane flexibility, enabling the cell to change shape and facilitating processes like endocytosis and exocytosis.

• The fluidity is influenced by factors such as temperature and the composition of fatty acids in the phospholipids.

• Cholesterol molecules interspersed within the membrane help modulate its fluidity, maintaining optimal conditions for cellular function.