Question: The cell membrane is made of ______?
Options:
Proteins
Phospholipid Proteins
Phospho Proteins
Fat
The cell membrane, also called the plasma membrane, is a thin, flexible layer that encloses the cell and separates its internal environment from the external environment.
It is composed of a variety of components, including lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates, but the most abundant and important component is the phospholipid bilayer.
The phospholipid bilayer is composed of two layers of phospholipid molecules, which have a polar, hydrophilic head and a nonpolar, hydrophobic tail.
The hydrophobic tails face each other, creating a barrier to the movement of hydrophilic molecules such as ions and water, while the hydrophilic heads face outward, interacting with the aqueous environments inside and outside the cell.
🔴Additional Information:
Proteins are also an important component of the cell membrane, and they are embedded in the phospholipid bilayer or attached to its surface. These proteins serve a variety of functions, including transporting molecules across the membrane, acting as receptors for chemical signals, and providing structural support.
Phosphoproteins:Â These are proteins that have been modified by the addition of phosphate groups. While some membrane proteins may be phosphoproteins, the membrane itself is not composed of phosphoprotein.
Fat:Â While lipids are an important component of the cell membrane, they are specifically phospholipids, not fats. Fats, or triglycerides, are a type of lipid that is used primarily for energy storage, not membrane structure.