The lipid bilayer is a membrane composed of two layers of phospholipids. A phospholipid is a molecule made up of a polar phosphate head and non-polar fatty acid chains.
The diagram makes reference to the different components of the lipid bilayer.
The main components of the lipid bilayer are phospholipids and cholesterol.
The lipid bilayer is also composed of different proteins such as transmembrane integral proteins (channels) and peripheral proteins.
The structures observed in the diagram are as follow:
Phospholipid molecule (A). Function: structural.
Polar (hydrophilic) head of the phospholipid (B). Function: stabilize the membrane by its interaction with water.
Integral glycoprotein (C). Function: signaling pathways and cellular communication
Oligosaccharide attached to a peripheral protein (D). Function: form the glycocalyx.
Cholesterol (E). Function: provide fluidity to the lipid bilayer.
Integral protein (F). Function: signaling pathways and cellular communication.
Phospholipid bilayer (H-I). Function: Semipermemable barrier that separates the intern cell medium from the surrounding environment.
Transmembrane integral protein (protein channel) (G). Transport of materials.
The primary organisms involved in the process of <u>(</u><u>b</u><u>.</u><u>)</u><u> </u><u>d</u><u>e</u><u>c</u><u>a</u><u>y</u> are bacteria and fungi.
