Question

Which one of the following is not a constituent of the cell membrane?

• A. Phospholipids
• B. Cholesterol
• C. Glycolipids
• D. Nucleic acids

Answer 1

The correct option is D Nucleic acids

According to the fluid mosaic model, the cell membrane consists of a phospholipid bilayer. In between the phospholipid heads, there are some glycoproteins as well as glycolipids. There are also cholesterol molecules sandwiched between the phospholipids. Like the phospholipids, the cholesterol molecules also have a hydrophilic end and a hydrophobic end. The cholesterol molecules help stabilise the bilayer and help in keeping the membrane fluid.

Nucleic acids are absent in the plasma membrane.