In the fluid-mosaic model that describes plasma membranes,
A)there are three layers of glycerophospholipid molecules.
B)two layers of glycerophospholipid molecules have their nonpolar sections oriented to the inside of the membrane.
C)two layers of glycerophospholipid molecules have their nonpolar sections along the outer surface of the membrane.
D)A single row of glycerophospholipid molecules forms a barrier between the inside and outside of the cell.
E)two layers of proteins separate the contents inside a cell from the surrounding fluids.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fluid-mosaic model describes the plasma membrane as having two layers of glycerophospholipid molecules with their nonpolar sections oriented to the inside of the membrane. The nonpolar regions of these molecules are hydrophobic and do not interact with the surrounding aqueous fluid, while the polar regions are hydrophilic and interact with the fluid. This creates a selectively permeable barrier that separates the contents of the cell from its environment. Additionally, the plasma membrane contains various proteins and other molecules that are embedded within the lipid bilayer or attached to its outer surface, creating a mosaic-like appearance.

In the Fluid-Mosaic Model That Describes Plasma Membranes