Cell membranes have distinct inside and outside faces. Which of the following statements is the most likely explanation for the membrane's asymmetrical nature?
A) Since the cell membrane forms a border between one cell and another in tightly packed tissues such as epithelium, the membrane must be asymmetrical.
B) Since cell membranes communicate signals from one organism to another, the cell membranes must be asymmetrical.
C) The two sides of a cell membrane face different environments and carry out different functions.
D) Proteins only function on the cytoplasmic side of the cell membrane, which results in the membrane's asymmetrical nature.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The two sides of a cell membrane face different environments and carry out different functions, which is the most likely explanation for the membrane's asymmetrical nature. The inside face faces the cytoplasm of the cell, which contains different molecules and ions than the outside face facing the extracellular environment. This creates a selective barrier that allows the cell to regulate what can pass through the membrane. The asymmetry of the membrane allows for specialized functions to occur on each side of the membrane.

Cell Membranes Have Distinct Inside and Outside Faces