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Multiple Choice
Which of the following would not be a component of the plasma membrane?
A
Phospholipids
B
Nucleic acids
C
Cholesterol
D
Proteins
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of the plasma membrane: The plasma membrane is primarily composed of a phospholipid bilayer, which provides a flexible matrix and creates a barrier to permeability.
Identify the components of the plasma membrane: The main components include phospholipids, cholesterol, and proteins. These components work together to maintain the structure and function of the membrane.
Phospholipids form the basic structure of the membrane: They have hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails, which arrange themselves into a bilayer, creating a semi-permeable membrane.
Cholesterol is interspersed within the phospholipid bilayer: It helps to stabilize the membrane's fluidity, making it less permeable to very small water-soluble molecules that might otherwise pass freely through.
Proteins are embedded within the phospholipid bilayer: They serve various functions such as transport, acting as receptors, and providing structural support. Nucleic acids, however, are not part of the plasma membrane structure; they are found within the cell nucleus and cytoplasm, involved in genetic information storage and transfer.