The Question is from neet-botany biomolecules-biology , and it was created by the author NISHANTH

Question

Which lipid is a major component of cell membranes?

NISHANTH · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: D
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Cell membrane structure and composition
 **Related Topics**: Lipids, phospholipids, cholesterol, cell biology
 **Prerequisites**: Basic understanding of cell structure and the properties of lipids.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  The question asks about the major lipid component of cell membranes.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Identify the types of lipids listed as options: triglycerides, cholesterol, waxes, and phospholipids.
  Reasoning: Cell membranes are primarily composed of a lipid bilayer.
 2. Consider the structure and properties of each lipid type.
  Working: 
            * Triglycerides are primarily energy storage molecules.
            * Cholesterol is a component of cell membranes, but not the major one.
            * Waxes are protective coatings.
            * Phospholipids have a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails, making them ideal for forming bilayers.
  Key Point: The amphipathic nature of phospholipids (having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions) is crucial for their role in forming the cell membrane bilayer.
 3. Determine which lipid is the major component.
  Result: Phospholipids are the major component of cell membranes.
  Verification:  This is a well-established fact in cell biology. 
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Triglycerides are primarily involved in energy storage, not membrane structure.
B :x: Cholesterol is a component of cell membranes, but it is not the major component. It helps regulate membrane fluidity.
C :x: Waxes are primarily used for protective coatings, not membrane structure.
D ✓: Phospholipids form the lipid bilayer that constitutes the major structural component of cell membranes.  Their amphipathic nature allows them to self-assemble into this bilayer structure.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing triglycerides with phospholipids:  Remember that triglycerides are for energy storage, while phospholipids are structural components of membranes.
  2.Overlooking the amphipathic nature of phospholipids: The dual nature of phospholipids (hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts) is essential for their role in membrane formation.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember the key role of phospholipids in forming the cell membrane bilayer.
  2.Associate 'phospholipid bilayer' with 'cell membrane'.

NISHANTH · Answer

Triglycerides

NISHANTH · Answer

Cholesterol

NISHANTH · Answer

Waxes

NISHANTH · Answer

The correct Option is "Phospholipids"

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