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Related Concept Videos

Membrane Fluidity01:23

Membrane Fluidity

Cell membranes are composed of phospholipids, proteins, and carbohydrates loosely attached to one another through chemical interactions. Molecules are generally able to move about in the plane of the membrane, giving the membrane its flexible nature called fluidity. Two other features of the membrane contribute to membrane fluidity: the chemical structure of the phospholipids and the presence of cholesterol in the membrane.Fatty acids tails of phospholipids can be either saturated or...
Membrane Fluidity01:26

Membrane Fluidity

Membrane fluidity is explained by the fluid mosaic model of the cell membrane, which describes the plasma membrane structure as a mosaic of components—including phospholipids, cholesterol, proteins, and carbohydrates—that gives the membrane a fluid character.
Mosaic nature of the membrane
The mosaic characteristic of the membrane helps the plasma membrane remain fluid. The integral proteins and lipids exist as separate but loosely-attached molecules in the membrane. The membrane is a relatively...
Asymmetric Lipid Bilayer01:35

Asymmetric Lipid Bilayer

Biological membranes show uneven distribution of different types of lipids in the inner and outer layers, resulting in transverse asymmetric membranes. The treatment of the erythrocyte membrane with the enzyme phospholipase confirmed the asymmetric nature of the lipid bilayer. The enzyme hydrolyzes lipids into fatty acids and hydrophilic groups. The phospholipase acts only on the outer layer of the membrane, while the inner layer remains intact. The phospholipase treatment resulted in 80%...
Lipids as Anchors01:32

Lipids as Anchors

In the plasma membrane, the lipids forming the bilayer can also act as an anchor to tether proteins to the membrane. The three main types of lipid anchors found in eukaryotes are – prenyl groups, fatty acyl groups, and glycosylphosphatidylinositol or GPI groups. Prenyl and fatty acyl groups act as anchors on the cytosolic surface of the membrane, whereas GPI anchors proteins on the extracellular side.
The carboxy-terminal of most of the prenylated proteins, such as Ras proteins, contains the...
Membrane Domains01:18

Membrane Domains

The membrane domains concentrate specific lipids and proteins at one place within the membrane, which helps in cell signaling, adhesion, and other critical cellular processes. These domains can differ in size, composition, function, and lifespan.
Protein Domains
The membrane comprises a group of distinct proteins responsible for carrying out a cell's specific function. For example, the plasma membrane of the human sperm, or a single germ cell, contains a unique set of proteins in the anterior...
Mechanism of Lamellipodia Formation01:31

Mechanism of Lamellipodia Formation

Cells migrating in response to external stimuli form lamellipodia, which are thin membrane protrusions supported by a mesh of linked, branched, or unbranched actin filaments. These actin filaments interact with myosin motor proteins, creating the dynamic actomyosin complex within the cytoskeleton. Contractility, or the ability to generate contractile stress, is inherent to the actomyosin complex. It helps cells detect the stiffness of the surrounding ECM and exert contractile force for...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Determination of Lipid Raft Partitioning of Fluorescently-tagged Probes in Living Cells by Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS)
10:59

Determination of Lipid Raft Partitioning of Fluorescently-tagged Probes in Living Cells by Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS)

Published on: April 6, 2012

Lipid rafts make for slippery platforms.

Eric C Lai1

  • 1lai@fruitfly.org

The Journal of Cell Biology
|July 30, 2003
PubMed
Summary

Lipid rafts are debated in cell membranes. Understanding their definition, size, composition, and biological relevance is crucial for membrane dynamics and signaling research.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Cell membranes are complex structures, not simple mixtures of lipids and proteins.
  • The existence and properties of lipid rafts are subjects of ongoing scientific debate.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the controversial aspects of lipid rafts.
  • To clarify the definition, size, composition, and lifetime of lipid rafts.
  • To understand the biological relevance of lipid rafts in cell signaling and membrane dynamics.

Main Methods:

  • This study is primarily theoretical, involving a critical review of existing literature and concepts.
  • Utilizes established principles of membrane biophysics and cell biology.

Main Results:

  • Definitive characterization of lipid rafts remains elusive.

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Lipid Exchange Assay in Living Cells

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Determination of Lipid Raft Partitioning of Fluorescently-tagged Probes in Living Cells by Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS)
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Determination of Lipid Raft Partitioning of Fluorescently-tagged Probes in Living Cells by Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS)

Published on: April 6, 2012

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Construction of Model Lipid Membranes Incorporating G-protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs)

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Lipid Exchange Assay in Living Cells
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Lipid Exchange Assay in Living Cells

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  • Key properties such as size, composition, and stability are not universally agreed upon.
  • The biological significance of lipid rafts in cellular processes is still under investigation.

    • Conclusions:

    • Resolving the controversies surrounding lipid rafts is essential for advancing our understanding of cell membrane organization.
    • Further research is needed to establish a consensus on lipid raft characteristics.
    • Clarification of lipid raft properties will impact our views on cellular signaling pathways and membrane dynamics.