The plasma membranes of cells contain combinations of
glycosphingolipids and protein
receptors organized in glycolipoprotein microdomains termed
lipid rafts. These specialized membrane microdomains compartmentalize cellular processes by serving as organizing centers for the assembly of
signaling molecules, influencing
membrane fluidity and
membrane protein trafficking, and regulating
neurotransmission and receptor trafficking. Lipid rafts are more ordered and tightly packed than the surrounding
bilayer, but float freely in the membrane bilayer. Although more common in plasma membrane, lipid rafts have also been reported in other parts of the cell, such as
Golgi and
lysosomes.