The plasma membrane consists mainly of
The plasma membrane consists mainly of
(a) phospholipids embedded in a protein bilayer
(b) proteins embedded in a phospholipid bilayer
(c) proteins embedded in a polymer of glucose molecules
(d) proteins embedded in a carbohydrate bilayer
1 Answers
Correct option (b) proteins embedded in a phospholipid bilayer
Explanation
According to fluid mosaic model given by Singer and Nicolson (1972), plasma membrane consists of a continuous bilayer of phospholipld molecules, in which globular proteins ate embedded. This arrangement corresponds to icebergs (proteins) floating in a sea of phospholipids.
Proteins stay in the membrane because they have regions of hydrophobic amino acids which interact, with fatty acid tails to exclude water. Rest of the molecule is hydrophilic, which faces into or outward, both of which are aqueous environment.