Let me share with you a comparison of Unit Membrane Model and Fluid Mosaic Model.
| Aspect | Unit Membrane Model | Fluid Mosaic Model |
| Proposed by | Proposed by Danielli and Davson | Proposed by Singer and Nicolson |
| Year | 1935 | 1972 |
| Basic Concept | Membrane is a trilaminar (three-layered) structure. | Membrane is a dynamic and has a fluid structure. |
| Composition | Lipid bilayer with proteins on either side. | Lipid bilayer with proteins embedded and distributed fluidly. |
| Protein Positioning | Proteins are on the surface of the lipid bilayer. | Proteins are embedded within the lipid bilayer. |
| Fluidity | Does not account for the fluid nature of the membrane. | Emphasizes the dynamic and flexible nature of the membrane. |
| Protein Mobility | Immobile proteins on the membrane surface. | Proteins can move laterally and exhibit dynamic mobility. |
| Lipid Movement | No consideration for lipid movement. | Lateral movement of lipids within the bilayer. |
| Model significance | Considered an early model, later replaced by other models. | Widely accepted and forms the basis for modern membrane models. |
| Acknowledgement of Proteins | Does not emphasize the functional importance of membrane proteins. | Recognizes the integral role of proteins in membrane structure and function. |