Factors which affect Cell Membrane

Proteins, carbohydrate polymers and other glycoproteins may move freely between the phospholipid bilayers, often referred to as ‘fluid mosaic models’. These molecules serve several purposes, including serving as channels for chemicals to enter and exit the cell, signalling devices, and even enzymes engaged in metabolic processes. 

In general, phospholipids contain tails that are hydrophobically attached to hydrophilic heads. As a result of these tails, polar molecules (such as many compounds readily dissolved in water) have a tough time crossing the barrier. It is possible to modify the cell membrane’s fluidity which affects the membrane’s permeability, thus making it more straightforward for humans to control what chemicals may enter or exit cells. Let us look at the definition and factors which affect cell membrane. 

What is a Cell Membrane?

The cytoplasm is contained inside a thin semi-permeable membrane referred to as a plasma or cell membrane. By admitting in some chemicals while keeping out others, it ensures the integrity of the cell’s interior. The cytoskeleton and the cell wall are attached to certain species, whereas in others, the cytoskeleton is attached to it. As a result, the cell membrane functions as both structural support and a shape-maintaining component. 

Endocytosis and exocytosis are two further mechanisms by which the membrane controls cell development. The factor which affects cell membrane permeability is the types of solutes present in the cell. This gives an insight into the factor which affect cell membrane. Endocytosis removes lipids and proteins from the cell membrane as things are taken into the cell for further processing. As the cell membrane fuses with vesicles, it grows in size, which is known as exocytosis. Plasma membranes are found in all animal, plant, bacterial, and fungal kingdoms cells. Membranes also surround inside organelles.

What is the structure of a Cell Membrane?

Proteins and lipids make up the bulk of the cell membrane. Lipids may make up 20% to 80% of the membrane, with proteins making up the remaining 20% to 80%, depending on where and how the membrane is used in the body. Proteins and lipids work together to keep the cellular chemistry stable and facilitate the movement of molecules across membranes.

Cell membranes would not exist without phospholipids. In a lipid bilayer, hydrophilic (water-loving) phospholipids face the cytosol and extracellular fluid, whereas hydrophobic (water-repelling) phospholipids face away from the cytosol and extracellular fluid is what increases the fluidity of a cell membrane. Only a few molecules can pass across the membrane because of the lipid bilayer’s semi-permeability.

In addition to phospholipids, the membranes of animal cells include cholesterol. Membrane phospholipids preferentially spread cholesterol molecules. In this way, phospholipids are prevented from being packed too tightly together, which helps to protect cell membranes from becoming rigid. Plant cells do not have cholesterol in their membranes. Glycolipids are lipids found on the surface of cell membranes that are linked to a carbohydrate sugar chain. They aid the cell in recognising other cells in the body.

The Factor Which Affect Cell Membrane

When experimenting, it’s essential to keep in mind the factors affecting the cell membrane. In most studies, variables like temperature, concentration, and pH are among the top  3 factors affecting cell membrane permeability. Aside from this, the volume to surface area ratio is considered. Another example is how solvents affect membrane permeability and how light intensity affects transpiration rates using a photometer. The factors that might affect the findings of the permeability of membranes will be discussed below;

One of the 3 factors that affect cell membrane permeability that you may not investigate in an experiment, but must be controlled throughout the experiment, is surface area. Using a large surface area may have a significant impact. 

Conclusion

We can better comprehend the movement of molecules inside and outside of cells if we understand the components that govern membrane permeability. This factor affects the cell membrane and increases the fluidity of a cell membrane. Passive transport, including the process of osmosis and assisted diffusion, and active transportation, such as endocytosis, will be affected by membrane permeability. The outer villi of intestinal epithelial cells or the axon part of a neuron are two examples of cell membranes that are highly specialised for specific purposes. By studying their usual function, we can better appreciate how well these specialised cells do their duties.