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Membrane Fluidity

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 Fluidity

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 23, 2026

Measuring the Osmotic Water Permeability Coefficient (Pf) of Spherical Cells: Isolated Plant Protoplasts as an Example

Measuring the Osmotic Water Permeability Coefficient (P_f) of Spherical Cells: Isolated Plant Protoplasts as an Example

Published on: October 8, 2014

Membrane permeability changes during Rana oocyte maturation

Y T Lau¹, J K Reynhout, S B Horowitz

¹Department of Physiology, Chang Gung Medical College, Tao-Yuan (Taiwan, Republic of China.

Experientia

|June 15, 1994

Summary

Amphibian oocyte maturation involves a shift to a closed system. Urea permeability decreases significantly during germinal vesicle breakdown, preparing the oocyte for harsh conditions.

Area of Science:

Developmental Biology
Cell Biology
Oocyte Maturation

Background:

Meiotic maturation in amphibians requires a transition from an open to a closed system.
Understanding changes in membrane permeability is crucial for comprehending oocyte developmental processes.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the changes in membrane permeability to urea in amphibian oocytes after progesterone stimulation.
To correlate the timing of altered membrane permeability with specific developmental events during oocyte maturation.

Main Methods:

Progesterone stimulation of Rana oocytes.
Measurement of membrane permeability to urea.
Observation of developmental events, specifically germinal vesicle breakdown.

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Nuclear Migration in the Drosophila Oocyte

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Last Updated: Jul 23, 2026

Measuring the Osmotic Water Permeability Coefficient (Pf) of Spherical Cells: Isolated Plant Protoplasts as an Example

Measuring the Osmotic Water Permeability Coefficient (P_f) of Spherical Cells: Isolated Plant Protoplasts as an Example

Published on: October 8, 2014

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Nuclear Migration in the Drosophila Oocyte

Nuclear Migration in the Drosophila Oocyte

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Main Results:

A significant decrease in membrane permeability to urea was observed in Rana oocytes following progesterone stimulation.
The largest reduction in urea permeability coincided precisely with the occurrence of germinal vesicle breakdown.

Conclusions:

The disappearance of membrane permeability to urea is a timed event during oocyte maturation.
This change in permeability is linked to developmental processes that equip the oocyte to survive in challenging environments.