Question

The fluid mosaic model describes the plasma membrane as consisting of

a) individual proteins and phospholipids that can drift in a phospholipid bilayer.
b) a protein bilayer with embedded phospholipids.
c) carbohydrates, proteins, and phospholipids that can drift in the membrane.
d) two layers of phospholipids with protein sandwiched between them.
e) a phospholipid bilayer with embedded carbohydrates.

Answer 1

The answer is e, as in terms of d, proteins are not sandwiched between the two bilayers, but wedged in the bilayer to selectively let in different molecules. With c, phospholipids do not drift, into the membrane, for it is the membrane itself. With b it is the other way around, the phospholipid bilayer makes up the membrane, and proteins are embedded into it. Lastly, for a, a fluid mosaic model wouldn’t portray phospholipids drifting in the dark phospholipid bilayer, as they are an independent molecule consisting only as the cell membrane. Hope that’s helpful! :)