Question

Which of the following statements is not supported by the fluid mosaic model? a. The major structural component of the plasma membrane is a phospholipid bilayer. b. Cholesterol is a ""fluid"" part of the model because it is found in the interior of the plasma membrane due to its hydrophobicity. c. Peripheral glycoproteins on the extracellular surface play a role in structural support. d. Membranes with a higher ratio of saturated fatty acids are less fluid. e. Some integral proteins have enzymatic activity. f. Some integral proteins help connect the ECM to the cell and transmit signals across the membrane.

Answer 1

The best answer to the question: Which of the following statements is not supported by the fluid mosaic model, would be, B: Cholesterol is a "fluid" part of the model because it is found in the interior of the plasma membrane due to its hydrophobicity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reason for this being the answer is that essentially, cholesterol is NOT a "fluid" molecule in the least. In fact, the second part of its chemical name: sterol, means "solid", not fluid. Cholesterol plays an integral part, actually a vital part, of fluidity in plasma membranes, especially in changing temperatures, because it prevents phospholipids from forming rigid structures that would not allow any type of exchange between the cell and its environment. However, it cannot be thought of as a "fluid", but rather, a solid molecule that can be found in lipids. The body can produce a marginal amount of cholesterol, but most of it comes from dietary consumption.