<P> The fluid mosaic model explains various observations regarding the structure of functional cell membranes . According to this model, there is a lipid bilayer in which the protein molecules are embedded . The lipid bilayer gives fluidity and elasticity to the membrane . Small amounts of carbohydrates are also found in cell membrane . The model, which was devised by SJ Singer and GL Nicolson in 1972, describes the cell membrane as a two - dimensional liquid that restricts the lateral diffusion of membrane components . Such domains are defined by the existence of regions within the membrane with special lipid and protein composition that promote the formation of lipid rafts or protein and glycoprotein complexes . Another way to define membrane domains is the association of the lipid membrane with the cytoskeleton filaments and the extracellular matrix through membrane proteins . The current model describes important features relevant to many cellular processes, including: cell - cell signaling, apoptosis, cell division, membrane budding, and cell fusion . The fluid mosaic model is the most acceptable model of plasma membrane . Fluid mosaic model is proposed by SJ Singer and G Nicolson in 1972 . It's main function is to give shape to the cell . </P> <P> Chemically a cell membrane is composed of four components: Phospholipids, Proteins, Carbohydrates, and Cholesterol . </P>

What is the fluid part of the fluid mosaic model