Question

What experimental evidence supports the fluid mosaic model of biomembranes?

Answer 1

The fluid mosaic model proposed by Singer and Nicolson is supported by evidence showing the dynamic and fluid nature of membrane components and the flexible behavior of biomembranes. Integral membrane proteins and lipids demonstrate mobility within the membrane, and the ability of the membrane to self-seal after penetration supports its fluid character.

Step-by-step explanation:

The fluid mosaic model is an important concept in understanding the structure and behavior of biomembranes. The fluid aspect of the model is supported by experimental evidence that shows the proteins and lipids within the cell membrane move around like buoys in water. This movement demonstrates that the membrane is dynamic and fluid rather than static and rigid. The mosaic nature is supported by the arrangement of integral membrane proteins and phospholipids that resemble the tiles of a mosaic, which are embedded in the phospholipid bilayer and are capable of moving within the membrane.

Membrane fluidity allows the membrane to maintain its integrity under various conditions, such as when penetrated by a fine needle. The needle can penetrate without causing the membrane to burst, and the membrane can flow and self-seal once the needle is withdrawn. This behavior confirms the membrane's fluidity and flexibility proposed by Singer and Nicolson.

The original proposal by Singer and Nicolson has been supported by many observations and experiments since 1972, and despite evolutions in the model, the core concepts of integral membrane proteins floating in a fluid lipid bilayer have stood the test of time. The fluid mosaic model provides an accurate framework for understanding the structure and function of plasma membranes.

Answer 2

There are many experiments available: Freeze-fractue experiment is one of them.

Step-by-step explanation:

The fluid property of functional biological membranes had been determined through labeling experiments, x-ray diffraction, and calorimetry.

experimental evidences for the "mosaic" and "fluid" property of layers of mosaic fluid model -

- Freeze-fractue experiment the layer and watch protein.

- An significant experiment that gave proof supporting liquid and dynamic natural was performed by Frye and Edidin.

-They utilized Sendai virus to drive human and mouse cells to combine and create a heterokaryon and showed that proteins of both human and mouse remains segregated to isolate parts of the heterokaryon a brief time frame after cell combination. However, the proteins inevitably diffused and after some time the outskirt between the two parts was lost.

- Lowering the temperature eased back the pace of this diffusion by making the layer phospholipids progress from a liquid to a gel stage.

- Singer and Nicholson supported the consequences of these tests utilizing their liquid mosaic model.