Question

When analyzing the cellular membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, a researcher determined that many different macromolecule types were responsible for its structure and function. An analysis of the plasma membrane would most likely include which molecules that act together to regulate the activity of the outermost portion of the cell?

Answer 1

The plasma membrane, composed of a phospholipid bilayer, cholesterol, and proteins, functions as a selectively permeable barrier, controlling substance movement and facilitating cell recognition and interaction.

Step-by-step explanation:

When analyzing the cellular membrane, various molecules are identified as being crucial for its structure and function. The plasma membrane is a selectively permeable barrier that encloses cell contents and controls the movement of substances in and out. Its structure consists mainly of a phospholipid bilayer, which provides fluidity and flexibility, essential for cellular processes.

Cholesterol within the membrane contributes to this fluidity. Embedded in the membrane are proteins that serve an array of functions, such as transport of molecules, signal transduction, and cell recognition, key for tissue and organ formation and the immune response. Markers on the plasma membrane's surface allow cells to recognize one another, which is crucial for the body's defenses. In summary, the plasma membrane's composition includes phospholipids, cholesterol, and proteins, all acting together to maintain cellular integrity and regulate the cell's interaction with its environment.