Question

The lateral diffusion of proteins in the lipid bilayer occurs because lipid bilayer has

• A. Flexibility
• B. Fluidity
• C. Stability
• D. None of these

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Fluidity

Membrane fluidity is the viscosity of the lipid bilayer of a cell membrane. This fluidity plays an essential role in life processes like intercellular and intracellular communications, elasticity, secretion etc.The fluidity of the lipid layer allows the movement of protein within the bilayer also called lateral diffusion.This shift or movement occurs to facilitate diffusion of ions and water into and outside the cell. Therefore, the structure of the plasma membrane has been given the name Fluid Mosaic model.

So, the correct answer is 'Fluidity'.