What is the model of cell membranes that describes their structure as a combination of hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecules?

The fluid mosaic model is a widely accepted representation of cell membrane structure. This model illustrates that cell membranes are composed of a diverse mixture of phospholipids, cholesterol, proteins, and carbohydrates.

In this model, the phospholipid bilayer serves as a fundamental framework with hydrophilic (water-attracting) heads facing outward toward the aqueous environment and hydrophobic (water-repelling) tails oriented inward, away from water. This arrangement allows for a flexible and dynamic membrane structure.

The term "mosaic" refers to the various proteins that are interspersed within the phospholipid bilayer, which can move laterally throughout the membrane, contributing to its fluidity. This fluidity is essential for various cellular functions, including the movement of materials in and out of the cell, cell signaling, and the mobility of proteins within the membrane.

This complexity and dynamic nature of the membrane is what distinguishes the fluid mosaic model from simpler models that do not adequately describe the variety of components and their interactions within the membrane. Other models, such as the phospholipid bilayer or semi-permeable membrane models, do not capture the full complexity of membrane structure and function as effectively as the fluid mosaic model does.