A characteristic of plasma membranes that helps them fuse during vesicle formation and phagocytosis is the
A) ratio of one protein molecule for every 25 phospholipid molecules.
B) capacity of lipids to associate and maintain a bilayer organization.
C) constant length of the fatty acid chain and the degree of saturation.
D) ability of phospholipid molecules to flip over and trade places with other phospholipid molecules.
E) asymmetrical distribution of membrane transport proteins.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The capacity of lipids to associate and maintain a bilayer organization is what allows plasma membranes to fuse during vesicle formation and phagocytosis. This ability is due to the amphipathic nature of phospholipids, which allows them to spontaneously form a bilayer in an aqueous environment. This characteristic also allows for the membrane to self-repair after disruptions.

A Characteristic of Plasma Membranes That Helps Them Fuse During