Question

Cell membranes are made largely of phospholipids arranged in a bilayer with varied supporting structures that create a fluid mosaic model as shown.



image

Which evidence BEST supports the claim that phospholipids helps the cell membrane carry out its function?



A.
The lipids in the bilayer are made of simple sugars, which enable the cell membrane to store energy for the cell.

B.
The lipids in the bilayer are saturated (straight) and unsaturated (bent), which contributes to the fluidity of the cell membrane.

C.
The lipids in the inner part of the cell membrane are water soluble, which allows materials to pass freely through the cell membrane.

D.
The lipids in the inner part of the cell membrane are attached to the cell's DNA, which helps the cell membrane to store genetic information for the cell.

Answer 1

B.

Phospholipid tails can be saturated (straight) or unsaturated (kinked). The kinked unsaturated tails prevent tight packing of the bilayer, increasing membrane fluidity — a key property that allows membrane proteins to move, membranes to fuse, and the cell to regulate permeability.