Multiple Choice
Which of the following factors would tend to increase membrane fluidity?
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6. The Membrane
Biological Membranes
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Which of the following best describes the structure of a biological membrane?
A
A double layer of phospholipids with embedded proteins
B
A rigid structure composed solely of proteins
C
A triple layer of lipids with scattered nucleic acids
D
A single layer of phospholipids with attached carbohydrates
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that biological membranes are primarily composed of lipids and proteins, which provide both structure and function.
Recognize that the most common model for the structure of a biological membrane is the fluid mosaic model.
In the fluid mosaic model, the membrane is described as a double layer (bilayer) of phospholipids, which are amphipathic molecules with hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.
Embedded within this phospholipid bilayer are proteins that can either span the membrane (integral proteins) or be attached to the surface (peripheral proteins).
This structure allows the membrane to be flexible and selectively permeable, facilitating the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
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