Final answer:
The four major components of the cell membrane are phospholipids, proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates. The cell membrane is organized as a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins. Polarity of the phospholipids plays a role in the organization of the membrane.
Step-by-step explanation:
The four major components of the cell membrane are phospholipids, proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates. The cell membrane is organized as a phospholipid bilayer, with the hydrophilic (water-loving) heads facing outward towards the aqueous environment and the hydrophobic (water-fearing) tails facing inward towards each other. The proteins are embedded within the phospholipid bilayer, providing structural support and facilitating the transport of molecules across the membrane. Polarity plays a crucial role in the organization of the cell membrane. The phospholipids, which are the main structural component of the membrane, have a polar head and nonpolar tails. This means that the heads interact with the aqueous environment on both sides of the bilayer, while the tails stay away from the water. This arrangement creates a barrier that allows for the selective transport of molecules across the membrane.