What is the structure of the cell membrane primarily made up of?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the composition of the cell membrane, specifically what it is primarily made of, with a focus on understanding the structural elements involved.
Answer
Phospholipid bilayer with cholesterol and proteins.
The cell membrane is primarily made up of a phospholipid bilayer, with cholesterol and proteins interspersed within.
Answer for screen readers
The cell membrane is primarily made up of a phospholipid bilayer, with cholesterol and proteins interspersed within.
More Information
This bilayer acts as a stable barrier in an aqueous environment, allowing the membrane to control the entry and exit of substances, thus maintaining homeostasis.
Tips
A common mistake is to overlook the role of proteins which are crucial for membrane function, not just structure.
Sources
- Cell Membrane - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Structure of the plasma membrane (article) | Khan Academy - khanacademy.org
- Cell membrane | Definition, Function, & Structure | Britannica - britannica.com
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