Question

Fluid mosaic model of cell membrane proposed that a lipid bilayer

• A. Is coated by a layer of proteins on each face.
• B. Is coated by a layer of proteins on the outer surface only.
• C. Has proteins embedded in itself and none on the surface.
• D. Has both embedded and outer proteins.

Answer 1

The correct option is D Has both embedded and outer proteins.

According to the Fluid Mosaic Model, cell membranes are quasi fluidic in nature with a viscous lipid bilayer having proteins at places like mosaic both on the outer surface and embedded inside. Singer and Nicolson have described cell membrane as 'protein iceberg' in sea of lipids. External proteins are called extrinsic or peripheral while internal proteins are named intrinsic or integral.