According to the fluid mosaic model of cell membranes, which of the following is a True statement about membrane phospholipids?
A)They can move laterally along the plane of the membrane.
B)They frequently flip-flop from one side of the membrane to the other.
C)They occur in an uninterrupted bilayer, with membrane proteins restricted to the surface of the membrane.
D)They are free to depart from the membrane and dissolve in the surrounding solution.
E)They have hydrophilic tails in the interior of the membrane.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fluid mosaic model states that membrane phospholipids are able to move laterally along the plane of the membrane, which contributes to the fluidity of the membrane. Option B is incorrect because phospholipids do not frequently flip-flop from one side of the membrane to the other. Option C is also incorrect because membrane proteins are embedded in the phospholipid bilayer, not restricted to the surface of the membrane. Option D is incorrect because phospholipids are integral components of the membrane and do not leave the membrane to dissolve in the surrounding solution. Option E is incorrect because phospholipids have hydrophobic tails in the interior of the membrane, not hydrophilic tails.

According to the Fluid Mosaic Model of Cell Membranes, Which