Question

The cell membrane is referred to as a mosaic because it is a mixture of what types of molecules:

A) Proteins and nucleic acids
B) Proteins and lipids
C) Lipids and carbohydrates
D) Carbohydrates and nucleic acids

Answer 1

The cell membrane is referred to as a mosaic because it is comprised primarily of proteins and lipids, corresponding to answer B) Proteins and lipids.

Step-by-step explanation:

The cell membrane is referred to as a mosaic because it is a mixture of primarily proteins and lipids. In detail, the fluid mosaic model posits that the plasma membrane is a flexible layer made of a phospholipid bilayer that is interspersed with various proteins that act as channels and receptors, and may also be involved in transport and cellular signaling. Moreover, carbohydrates are often attached to these proteins (forming glycoproteins) and lipids (forming glycolipids), contributing to the mosaic nature. The correct answer to the question is B) Proteins and lipids. The cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is referred to as a mosaic because it is composed of a diverse array of molecules. The correct answer is B) Proteins and lipids. The lipid components, primarily phospholipids, form a fluid bilayer that serves as the structural foundation. Embedded within this lipid bilayer are proteins, which are crucial for various functions such as transport, signaling, and structural support. The arrangement of lipids and proteins is not uniform, creating a mosaic pattern. Additionally, carbohydrates may be associated with the outer surface of the membrane, contributing to the overall complexity and functionality of this dynamic cellular structure.