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Membranes and proteins from "summary" of The Magic of Reality by Richard Dawkins
Membranes are like the skin of a cell, but they are incredibly thin. They are made up of a double layer of molecules called lipids. These lipids have two ends that behave differently: one end is water-loving, or hydrophilic, and the other end is water-hating, or hydrophobic. When these lipids come together, they arrange themselves so that the hydrophilic ends face outward, towards the water outside and inside the cell, while the hydrophobic ends face inward, away from the water. Proteins are the workers of the cell. They are like tiny machines that perform specific tasks. These proteins are embedded in the cell membrane, where they carry out their functions. Some proteins act as channels, allowing specific substances to pass through the membrane. Others act as receptors, sensing signals from the environment and relaying them to the cell. Still, others act as pumps, moving substances in and out of the cell. The arrangement of proteins in the cell membrane is crucial for the cell to function properly. If the proteins are not in the right place or do not work correctly, the cell may not be able to carry out its tasks effectively. This is why cells have mechanisms to ensure that proteins are placed where they are needed and that they are working correctly. The cell membrane is also dynamic, meaning that it can change its shape and composition in response to the environment. For example, when a cell needs to take in more nutrients, it can increase the number of channels in its membrane to allow more substances to pass through. Similarly, when a cell needs to communicate with other cells, it can change the types of receptors on its membrane to respond to specific signals. In this way, membranes and proteins work together to allow cells to survive and function in their environment. Without membranes, cells would not be able to contain their internal components or communicate with the outside world. Without proteins, cells would not be able to perform the necessary tasks to keep themselves alive. It is the intricate interplay between membranes and proteins that gives cells their remarkable abilities and allows life to exist.
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