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Related Concept Videos

Membrane Fluidity01:23

Membrane Fluidity

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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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Membrane Fluidity01:26

Membrane Fluidity

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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...
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Viscosity of Fluid01:19

Viscosity of Fluid

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Viscosity measures the resistance a fluid offers to flow and deformation. It results from internal friction between layers of fluid moving relative to one another. Dynamic viscosity, denoted by the Greek letter mu (μ), quantifies the force needed to move one fluid layer over another. For Newtonian fluids like water and air, the relationship between the shearing stress and the rate of shearing strain is linear, meaning their viscosity remains constant regardless of the applied stress.
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Viscosity01:17

Viscosity

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When water is poured into a glass, it falls freely and quickly, whereas if honey or maple syrup is poured over a pancake, it flows slowly and sticks to the surface of the container. This difference in the flow of different kinds of liquids arises due to the fluid friction between the liquid layers and the liquid and the surrounding material. This property of fluids is called fluid viscosity. In this example, water has a lower viscosity than honey and maple syrup.
The SI unit of viscosity is...
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Surface Tension, Capillary Action, and Viscosity02:57

Surface Tension, Capillary Action, and Viscosity

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Surface Tension
The various IMFs between identical molecules of a substance are examples of cohesive forces. The molecules within a liquid are surrounded by other molecules and are attracted equally in all directions by the cohesive forces within the liquid. However, the molecules on the surface of a liquid are attracted only by about one-half as many molecules. Because of the unbalanced molecular attractions on the surface molecules, liquids contract to form a shape that minimizes the number...
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Autoregulation of Blood Flow01:17

Autoregulation of Blood Flow

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Autoregulation mechanisms are characterized by their inherent capacity for self-regulation without necessitating specific nervous stimulation or endocrine control. These mechanisms facilitate the adjustment of blood flow and, therefore, perfusion specific to each tissue region. This self-regulation encompasses chemical signals and myogenic controls.
Chemical Signaling in Autoregulation
Chemical signaling operates at the precapillary sphincter level, inciting either contraction or relaxation....
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 1, 2025

Controlling Flow Speeds of Microtubule-Based 3D Active Fluids Using Temperature
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Controlling Flow Speeds of Microtubule-Based 3D Active Fluids Using Temperature

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Cellular Control of Viscosity Counters Changes in Temperature and Energy Availability.

Laura B Persson1, Vardhaan S Ambati2, Onn Brandman3

  • 1Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.

Cell
|November 6, 2020
PubMed
Summary

Cells adapt to temperature changes by adjusting internal viscosity, a process called viscoadaptation. This mechanism ensures stable molecular diffusion, crucial for cellular functions across varying thermal conditions.

Keywords:
ATPdiffusionglycogenheat shockhomeostasisphase separationstarvationstress responsetrehaloseviscosity

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Cellular processes rely on molecular interactions governed by diffusion.
  • Diffusion rates are sensitive to environmental factors like temperature.
  • Maintaining cellular function across temperature ranges is a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanism by which cells maintain diffusion rates despite temperature fluctuations.
  • To understand how cells adapt their internal environment to ensure consistent molecular movement.

Main Methods:

  • Studied budding yeast to identify adaptive mechanisms.
  • Investigated the role of glycogen and trehalose synthesis in modulating cytosolic viscosity.
  • Assessed the impact of temperature and energy availability (ATP levels) on cellular viscosity.

Main Results:

  • Discovered a process termed 'viscoadaptation' where yeast regulate cytosolic viscosity using glycogen and trehalose.
  • Viscoadaptation allows cells to maintain constant diffusion rates over a 20°C temperature range.
  • This adaptation is triggered by low ATP levels, linking energy status to diffusion control.

Conclusions:

  • Viscosity is a tunable cellular property that regulates diffusion-controlled processes.
  • Viscoadaptation serves as a stress response and homeostatic mechanism.
  • This mechanism has implications for cellular solubility, phase separation, and overall biophysical integrity.