Question

While water continually orients phospholipids into a lipid bilayer it doesn't fix the lipids permanently into position. Thus the bilayer is considered to be?

1) Fluid mosaic
2) Permeable
3) Impermeable
4) Rigid

Answer 1

The cell membrane is best described as a fluid mosaic due to the dynamic and flexible nature of its proteins and lipids which are not fixed in place but can move around somewhat.

Step-by-step explanation:

The lipid bilayer in a cell membrane, because it is not fixed in position and the components within it can move around somewhat, is best described as a fluid mosaic. This term refers to the concept that the proteins and lipids in the plasma membrane exist as separate but loosely attached molecules. These components float and move within the plane of the membrane somewhat like tiles in a mosaic but are not locked in place, providing the membrane with a dynamic and flexible structure. The presence of unsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol also contributes to this fluidity, making the plasma membrane adapt to various conditions while maintaining its selective permeability.