Main lipid present in the bilayer of cell membrane is:Select one:a. Sphingomyelinb. Fatty acidc. Phospholipidd. Cholesterol
Question
Main lipid present in the bilayer of cell membrane is:
Select one:
- a. Sphingomyelin
- b. Fatty acid
- c. Phospholipid
- d. Cholesterol
Solution
The main lipid present in the bilayer of the cell membrane is:
c. Phospholipid
Here's why:
The cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is primarily composed of a bilayer of phospholipids. These phospholipids have a hydrophilic (water-loving) head and two hydrophobic (water-fearing) tails. The hydrophilic heads are attracted to water, while the hydrophobic tails repel water.
In the bilayer structure of the cell membrane, the hydrophilic heads of the phospholipids face outwards towards the water environment, while the hydrophobic tails face inwards, away from the water. This arrangement allows the cell membrane to be selectively permeable, controlling the passage of substances in and out of the cell.
While sphingomyelin, fatty acids, and cholesterol are also present in the cell membrane, they are not the main lipids. Sphingomyelin and cholesterol contribute to the fluidity and stability of the membrane, while fatty acids are part of the phospholipid structure. But the primary structural lipid of the cell membrane is the phospholipid.
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