Final answer:
The statement 'Lipid polymers are major constituents of membrane structure' is not a correct function or characteristic of biological membranes; the correct term is phospholipid bilayers, not lipid polymers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Out of the characteristics listed for biological membranes, the one that is NOT a function nor a characteristic of these membranes is "Lipid polymers are major constituents of membrane structure." Biological membranes are indeed composed of lipids, but not polymers; the correct term is phospholipid bilayers.
Biological membranes serve multiple crucial functions; they house receptors for detecting external signals, provide a means of cell-to-cell communication, and regulate the movement of substances into and out of cells. The membranes achieve selective permeability and movement of substances through passive transport such as diffusion and facilitated diffusion, as well as active transport mechanisms involving energy consumption. The fluid mosaic model describes the dynamic and fluid nature of the membrane, consisting of the phospholipid bilayer that forms the foundation interspersed with various proteins, carbohydrates, and, in some cases, cholesterol that provide additional functionality.