Question

1. which of the following statements describes the structure of the plasma membrane?

the plasma membrane is made mainly from carbohydrates that give the cell energy.
it is a lipid bilayer with the hydrophobic area pointing inward, and the hydrophilic area facing outward.
protein molecules make up the membrane, which makes it a strong structure.
it is made primarily of cholesterol that allows the cells to communicate with others.

Explanation:

• Carbohydrates in the plasma membrane are mainly for cell - cell recognition, not the main structural component for energy - giving.
• The plasma membrane is a lipid bilayer. Phospholipids have a hydrophilic head (facing outward, interacting with the aqueous environment) and a hydrophobic tail (pointing inward, away from water).
• Proteins are present in the plasma membrane (integral, peripheral), but the main structural component is the lipid bilayer.
• Cholesterol is a component of the plasma membrane (modulates fluidity), but not the primary structural component for cell - cell communication (carbohydrates and proteins are more involved in communication).

Answer:

It is a lipid bilayer with the hydrophobic area pointing inward, and the hydrophilic area facing outward.