Can Membrane Proteins Move Laterally in the Lipid Bilayer?

💡 The Answer

• Most integral membrane proteins are free to diffuse laterally within the bilayer.
• This lateral mobility is often restricted by cytoskeletal anchors or lipid rafts.
• FRAP experiments show proteins can diffuse several micrometers per second.
• Some proteins are immobilized by interactions with extracellular matrix.
• Dynamic movement allows cells to cluster receptors for signaling.