Which model of plasma membrane structure was developed by Singer and Nicolson?

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The Fluid Mosaic Model of plasma membrane structure, developed by Singer and Nicolson, articulates the dynamic nature of the cell membrane. This model describes the membrane as a fluid combination of various lipids and proteins, which are able to move laterally within the layer.

In this model, the phospholipid bilayer forms the basic structural foundation, but it is not a static arrangement. Instead, proteins embedded within or associated with this bilayer can shift and change positions, contributing to a 'mosaic' appearance. This fluidity is critical for many functions of the membrane, including transport, signaling, and cell recognition.

The identification and acceptance of the Fluid Mosaic Model were significant developments in cell biology, as they provided a more accurate representation of the membrane's properties compared to earlier models, such as the Davson-Danielli Model, which depicted it as more rigid and layered. Other options like the Static Mosaic Model and the Phospholipid Bilayer Model do not capture the dynamic and interactive nature of membrane components as effectively. Therefore, the Fluid Mosaic Model is recognized for its comprehensive view of the membrane's behavior and composition.

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