Question at position 1 Which of the following statements best describes the fluid mosaic model of the plasma membrane?A single layer of proteins surrounding a single layer of lipidsA protein bilayer sandwiching a layer of lipidssingle layer of lipids surrounding a layer of proteinsA lipid bilayer with protein molecules dispersed within it

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Question at position 1 Which of the following statements best describes the fluid mosaic model of the plasma membrane?A single layer of proteins surrounding a single layer of lipidsA protein bilayer sandwiching a layer of lipidssingle layer of lipids surrounding a layer of proteinsA lipid bilayer with protein molecules dispersed within it

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks which statement best describes the fluid mosaic model of the plasma membrane. 
Option 1: 'A single layer of proteins surrounding a single layer of lipids' This is inconsistent with the fundamental structure of the plasma membrane, which is not a single layer of proteins encasing lipids but rather a bilayer in which lipids form two layers. It also ignores the mosaic aspect of integral proteins embedded within the membrane. 
Option 2: 'A protein bilayer sandwiching a layer of lipids' This reverses the actual arrangement; membranes are lipid bilayers with proteins interspersed, not protein layers sandwiching lipids. It mischaracterizes the primary constituents and their organization. 
Option 3: 'single layer of lipids surrounding a layer of proteins' This describes a configuration opposite to reality; there is not a single lipid layer encasing a protein layer in the canonical membrane model. It fails to capture the bilayer concept and the dispersed proteins within. 
Option 4: 'A lipid bilayer with protein molecules dispersed within it' This aligns with the fluid mosaic model: a bilayer of lipids forming a flexible two-molecule-thick membrane, with proteins embedded or loosely associated in a dynamic, mosaic-like distribution throughout the membrane. The term 'fluid' captures lateral movement of lipids and proteins, while 'mosaic' reflects the diverse assortment of proteins interspersed. 
In summary, the first three options misstate the basic bilayer structure or the placement of proteins, whereas the fourth option correctly describes the lipid bilayer with dispersed proteins as envisioned by the fluid mosaic model.

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