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The plasma membrane consists mainly of
A
Proteins embedded in a carbohydrate bilayer
B
Phospholipids embedded in a protein bilayer
C
Proteins embedded in a phospholipid bilayer
D
Proteins embedded in a polymer of glucose molecules
Detailed Solution
According to the fluid mosaic model of Singer and Nicolson (1972), the cell membrane is made of a lipid bilayer in which proteins are embedded.
The lipids are mainly phospholipids, arranged with their polar (hydrophilic) heads towards the outer sides and their non-polar (hydrophobic) tails towards the inside.
Proteins are either peripheral (on the surface) or integral (partially or totally buried in the bilayer); the quasi-fluid nature of the lipid allows lateral movement of proteins.
Carbohydrates are present only in small amounts as glycoproteins and glycolipids; they do not form the bilayer.
Hence the plasma membrane consists mainly of proteins embedded in a phospholipid bilayer.
The lipids are mainly phospholipids, arranged with their polar (hydrophilic) heads towards the outer sides and their non-polar (hydrophobic) tails towards the inside.
Proteins are either peripheral (on the surface) or integral (partially or totally buried in the bilayer); the quasi-fluid nature of the lipid allows lateral movement of proteins.
Carbohydrates are present only in small amounts as glycoproteins and glycolipids; they do not form the bilayer.
Hence the plasma membrane consists mainly of proteins embedded in a phospholipid bilayer.