The Membrane of a Cell is Composed of A(n)________ Bilayer

Question

The membrane of a cell is composed of a(n)________ bilayer.
A) endoplasmic
B) cytoskeleton
C) phospholipid
D) steroid
E) glycolipid

Accepted Answer

The membrane of a cell is composed of a phospholipid bilayer. The phospholipid molecules arrange themselves in two layers, with their hydrophilic (water-loving) heads facing outwards and their hydrophobic (water-fearing) tails facing inwards, towards each other. This structure provides a selectively permeable barrier that separates the internal environment of the cell from the external environment.

The other choices are incorrect:
A) Endoplasmic is a type of organelle within the cell and not a component of the cell membrane.
B) Cytoskeleton refers to the network of protein fibers that provide structure and support to the cell, but is not part of the cell membrane.
D) Steroids (such as cholesterol) can be present in the cell membrane, but they are not the main component.
E) Glycolipids are lipids with attached carbohydrates, and are present in the outer layer of the cell membrane, but they are not the main component of the membrane.