Which one of the following is a feature of Membrane ?

Which one of the following is a feature of Membrane ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Bilayer of phospholipid molecule in which proteins and cholesterol are embedded” option2=”Bilayer of proteins molecule in which lipid and cholesterol are embedded” option3=”Bilayer of neutral lipid in which proteins and cholesterol are embedded” option4=”Bilayer of neutral lipid lacking cholesterol and proteins” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2022
A key feature of a biological membrane (like the plasma membrane) is that it is a bilayer of phospholipid molecules in which proteins and cholesterol are embedded.
– The fluid mosaic model describes the structure of the cell membrane.
– It consists of a double layer (bilayer) of phospholipid molecules, with their hydrophilic heads facing outwards and inwards, and hydrophobic tails facing each other in the interior.
– Various proteins are embedded within, associated with, or spanning this lipid bilayer, performing functions like transport, signaling, and enzymatic activity.
– Cholesterol molecules are also interspersed within the phospholipid bilayer in animal cells, helping to regulate membrane fluidity.
– Option B is incorrect because the fundamental structure is a lipid bilayer, not a protein bilayer.
– Options C and D are incorrect because biological membranes are primarily composed of phospholipids (amphipathic lipids), not neutral lipids, and typically contain proteins and often cholesterol (in animal cells).