1. Phospholipids: These are the most abundant component of the cell membrane. They have a unique structure with a hydrophilic (water-loving) head and two hydrophobic (water-fearing) tails. This structure allows them to form a bilayer, with the heads facing the watery environments inside and outside the cell, while the tails are shielded within the membrane.
2. Proteins: These are embedded within the phospholipid bilayer, acting as gateways, receptors, and transporters for various molecules. They can be either integral, spanning the entire membrane, or peripheral, attached to the surface of the membrane.
While phospholipids and proteins are the major components, the cell membrane also contains smaller amounts of cholesterol and glycolipids, which contribute to the membrane's fluidity and stability.
