According to the fluid mosaic model, a membrane ________.
A) is composed of a fluid bilayer of phospholipids between two layers of hydrophilic proteins
B) is composed of a single layer of fluid phospholipids between two layers of hydrophilic proteins
C) is composed of a mosaic of fluid polysaccharides and amphipathic proteins
D) is composed of a fluid bilayer of phospholipids with embedded amphipathic proteins

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the fluid mosaic model, a membrane is composed of a fluid bilayer of phospholipids with embedded amphipathic proteins. This model suggests that the components of the membrane, namely the phospholipids and proteins, are not static, but rather move laterally within the membrane, creating a fluid and dynamic structure. The hydrophilic heads of the phospholipids face outwards, interacting with the aqueous environment inside and outside the cell, while the hydrophobic tails face inwards, creating a nonpolar region within the membrane. The embedded proteins in the bilayer can either be peripheral or integral, either spanning the entire membrane or only protruding from one end. Together, the various components of the membrane create a mosaic-like structure, which is flexible and able to respond to changes in the environment.

According to the Fluid Mosaic Model, a Membrane ________