Summary
Describes the membrane as a flexible fluid bilayer in which proteins float and move laterally like a mosaic.
In depth
Proposed by Singer and Nicolson in 1972, the model describes proteins floating in a fluid lipid sea. Lipids and many proteins drift laterally within the layer, but flipping between layers is rare. Carbohydrate chains on the outer surface form the glycocalyx.
The membrane is asymmetric, with different lipids and proteins on each side. Proteins may be restricted by the cytoskeleton or by lipid rafts, so the membrane is a patchwork not a uniform liquid.
Evidence: the mixing of labelled mouse and human cell surface proteins after cell fusion showed lateral movement.
Frequently asked questions
What is Fluid Mosaic Model?
Describes the membrane as a flexible fluid bilayer in which proteins float and move laterally like a mosaic.
Which area of biology covers Fluid Mosaic Model, and how advanced is it?
Fluid Mosaic Model is one of the 52 topics in Cell Biology. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Phospholipid Bilayer, Plasma Membrane, Simple Diffusion.
What should I learn before Fluid Mosaic Model?
Work through the Beginner topics in Cell Biology first, such as Cell Theory, Prokaryotic Cell, Eukaryotic Cell, then return to Fluid Mosaic Model. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
What topics are related to Fluid Mosaic Model?
The closest topics to Fluid Mosaic Model are Phospholipid Bilayer, Plasma Membrane, Simple Diffusion, Cell Wall. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Fluid Mosaic Model?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Fluid Mosaic Model. To practise the whole of Cell Biology, use the Cell Biology quiz.
How is Fluid Mosaic Model different from Phospholipid Bilayer?
Fluid Mosaic Model: Describes the membrane as a flexible fluid bilayer in which proteins float and move laterally like a mosaic. Phospholipid Bilayer: Two layers of amphipathic lipids with hydrophilic heads outward and hydrophobic tails inward, forming the membrane core. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Fluid Mosaic Model step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Phospholipid Bilayer and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Cell Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.