About 50% of the mass of most biological membranes consists of lipids and about 50% consists of proteins. Therefore,
A) the membranes contain fewer molecules of lipid than of protein.
B) the membranes contain equal numbers of lipid and protein molecules.
C) the membranes contain more molecules of lipid than of protein.
D) only a few membrane proteins are exposed at the cell surface.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Lipid molecules are generally smaller and lighter than protein molecules. Therefore, even though lipids and proteins may make up roughly equal proportions of the membrane's mass, there would be more lipid molecules than protein molecules to make up that mass.

About 50% of the Mass of Most Biological Membranes Consists