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The Fluid Mosaic Model01:34

The Fluid Mosaic Model

The fluid mosaic model was first proposed as a visual representation of research observations. The model comprises the composition and dynamics of membranes and serves as a foundation for future membrane-related studies. The model depicts the structure of the plasma membrane with a variety of components, which include phospholipids, proteins, and carbohydrates. These integral molecules are loosely bound, defining the cell’s border and providing fluidity for optimal function.
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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.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 20, 2026

Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging of Molecular Rotors in Living Cells
09:45

Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging of Molecular Rotors in Living Cells

Published on: February 9, 2012

Mapping viscosity in cells using molecular rotors.

Marina K Kuimova1

  • 1Chemistry Department, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK. m.kuimova@imperial.ac.uk

Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP
|July 19, 2012
PubMed
Summary

This study introduces molecular rotors for measuring intracellular microviscosity. This innovative technique allows for spatial imaging and quantitative analysis of viscosity in live cell organelles, aiding the study of dynamic biological processes.

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Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging of Molecular Rotors in Living Cells
09:45

Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging of Molecular Rotors in Living Cells

Published on: February 9, 2012

Mechano-Node-Pore Sensing: A Rapid, Label-Free Platform for Multi-Parameter Single-Cell Viscoelastic Measurements
05:49

Mechano-Node-Pore Sensing: A Rapid, Label-Free Platform for Multi-Parameter Single-Cell Viscoelastic Measurements

Published on: December 2, 2022

Area of Science:

  • Cell biology
  • Biophysics
  • Microscopy

Background:

  • Understanding intracellular microviscosity is crucial for studying diffusion-controlled biological processes.
  • Existing methods may lack the resolution or speed for dynamic intracellular environments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present an emerging method for quantitative measurement and spatial imaging of microviscosity in live cells.
  • To discuss complementary techniques for microscopic diffusion analysis.
  • To explore the application of these methods in dynamic cellular processes.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing molecular rotors that exhibit fluorescence changes (lifetime or spectra) in response to local viscosity.
  • Employing time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy.
  • Imaging the short-lived excited state of molecular oxygen (singlet oxygen).

Main Results:

  • Demonstrated the capability to quantitatively determine viscosity within individual live cell organelles.
  • Showcased the potential for fast signal acquisition using molecular rotor imaging.
  • Highlighted the applicability for monitoring viscosity changes during dynamic cellular events.

Conclusions:

  • Molecular rotor imaging offers a powerful tool for real-time microviscosity mapping in live cells.
  • Combined approaches provide comprehensive insights into microscopic diffusion.
  • These techniques can track viscosity dynamics in processes like photoinduced cell death.