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Cell membranes are way more complicated than you think - Nazzy Pakpour

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Cell membranes are structures of contradictions. These oily films are hundreds of times thinner than a strand of spider silk, yet strong enough to protect the delicate contents of life: the cell’s watery cytoplasm, genetic material, organelles, and all the molecules it needs to survive. How does the membrane work, and where does that strength come from? Nazzy Pakpour investigates.

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  • Educator Nazzy Pakpour
  • Director Michael Kalopaidis
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by TED-Ed

The fluid mosaic model best describes the cell membrane. What comes to mind when the term “mosaic” is used? Which non-scientific words would you use to describe the cell membrane?

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Avatar for Alicja Kalinowska
Lesson completed

When I hear the term "mosaic" I see a ton of figures in different shapes and sizes. In my opinion it is a very adequate term of a cell membrane, because it is built of different kinds of proteins, glycolipids and glycoproteins. It creates a very unique structure just like a mosaic has. If I had to describe a cell membrane with a non-scientific words I would say it looks like a crowded street. People (molecules) are always moving, they never stop. Some of them have an umbrella (glycocalyx), some of them have hats (peripheral proteins). If there is a hole created, other people will come into the place of the previous ones (the fluid consistency of phospholipids).


Avatar for A'Layah Robinson
Lesson completed

when the term mosaic is used I think of stone, mineral, glass, tile, or shell.


Avatar for MAYEH GREEN
Lesson completed

When the term mosaic is used I think of the artwork inside churches. I would use the words wall, frame, barrier, and gate to describe the cell membrane.


Avatar for Rozel Atillo
Lesson in progress

Mosaic is often heard in our art classes, these are different pieces or elements coming together to produce art, or any masterpiece. Well, we now know that our cell membrane's best model is called the fluid mosaic model, why? maybe due to the presence of different elements or should I say biological components to perform a specific function in our bilayer cell membrane.


Avatar for Yuan Wang
Lesson in progress

The word "mosiac" reminds me of mosiac based art, like tiles and pebbles being used to form words. I also think of stained glass windows. I would not use "mosiac" to describe the cell membrane since mosiacs are generally 2D, whereas membranes are 3D structures. Instead, I think I would describe the cell membrane as a barrier, fence, or perimeter. It allows things in and out, albeit selectively. It also has different components that serve different functions.


Avatar for Ayiana Gozon
Lesson in progress

What comes into mind when I hear the word "mosaic" is a pattern of similar structures, such as how many phospholipids are attached to each other forming the bilayer. Thus, allowing the bilayer to have different functions in receiving and delivering molecules throughout the cell.


Avatar for Dawon Kelly Lee
Lesson in progress

When I think of the word 'mosaic' I think of little pieces that make a single piece of artwork. This word, therefore, is used to describe the model Singer hypothesized since his model showed how there are different molecules within the membrane.


Avatar for Jihoon Paul Park
Lesson in progress

When the term "mosaic" is used to describe the cell membrane, I usually think of an artwork made up of a bunch of bits and pieces that make up a bigger image. I think this is appropriate to describe the cell membrane because it too is made up of multiple bits and pieces such as phospholipids, proteins, cholesterol, etc. Non-scientific words I would use to describe the membranes would be barrier, secured-gate, or even a shield.


Avatar for James Rose
Lesson completed

Mosaic for me describes an old painting or old piece of art. The cell membrane is a pattern of proteins, carbohydrates, and it is fluctuating and liquid at body temperature. I think a barrier/border is an easier way to put it.


Avatar for James Pegram
Lesson completed

the structure of the plasma membrane as a mosaic of components including phospholipids, cholesterol, proteins, and carbohydrates that gives the membrane fluid character.

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