Question

According to the fluid mosaic model of cell membrane :

• A. The unique properties of cell types are determined by their phospholipids
• B. Basic membrane structure results from how the proteins interact with water
• C. The most common type of molecules in the membrane are proteins
• D. The membrane is a highly mobile mixture of phospholipids and proteins

Answer 1

The correct option is D The membrane is a highly mobile mixture of phospholipids and proteins

The fluid mosaic model of the biomembrane or cell membrane was proposed by SJ Singer and GL Nicolson in the year 1972.

According to this model, the transmembrane proteins are embedded within the phospholipid bilayer. Transmembrane proteins are of two types :-

Extrinsic membrane proteins- are present outside the membrane which bound to the lipid layer by weak molecular forces.

Intrinsic membrane proteins- are completely embedded in the membrane. So, the correct answer is 'Phospholipids, extrinsic proteins and intrinsic proteins'.

Thus, according to the fluid mosaic model, the plasma membrane is a mosaic of components primarily, phospholipids, cholesterol, and proteins that move freely and fluidly in the plane of the membrane.

The correct answer is "option C"