Why are lipids and proteins free to move laterally in membranes?
A) The interior of the membrane is filled with liquid water.
B) Lipids and proteins repulse each other in the membrane.
C) Hydrophilic portions of the lipids are in the interior of the membrane.
D) There are only weak hydrophobic interactions in the interior of the membrane.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The interior of the membrane is formed by the hydrophobic tails of the phospholipids which only have weak hydrophobic interactions with each other, allowing for lateral movement of both lipids and proteins within the membrane. The presence of liquid water and the orientation of hydrophilic portions of the lipids do not contribute to the ability of lipids and proteins to move laterally in the membrane. Repulsion between lipids and proteins is also unlikely to occur as proteins typically have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions that allow them to be incorporated into the membrane.

Why Are Lipids and Proteins Free to Move Laterally in Membranes