The Question is from neet-botany , and it was created by the author K SURESH KUMAR

Question

Which of the following is the primary component of the cell membrane?

K SURESH KUMAR · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: D
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Cell membrane structure and function
 **Related Topics**: Lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, cell biology
 **Prerequisites**: Basic understanding of cell structure and the properties of biological molecules.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  The question asks for the primary component of the cell membrane.
  Options: Carbohydrates, Proteins, Nucleic acids, Phospholipids
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Identify the main structural component of the cell membrane.
  Reasoning: The cell membrane is a selectively permeable barrier that separates the cell's internal environment from its external surroundings.  Its structure is crucial for maintaining homeostasis and regulating the transport of substances in and out of the cell.
  Formula/Rule:  None directly applicable; this is a knowledge-based question.
 2. Analyze the properties of each option.
  Working:  Phospholipids are amphipathic molecules, meaning they have both hydrophobic (water-fearing) and hydrophilic (water-loving) regions. This property allows them to form a bilayer in aqueous environments, with the hydrophobic tails facing inward and the hydrophilic heads facing outward. This bilayer forms the basic structure of the cell membrane.
  Key Point: While proteins and carbohydrates are important components of the cell membrane, they are embedded within or attached to the phospholipid bilayer.  Nucleic acids are primarily found within the nucleus and cytoplasm and are not the primary structural component of the membrane.
 3. Determine the primary component.
  Result: Phospholipids are the primary component of the cell membrane.
  Verification: The fluid mosaic model of the cell membrane describes a structure primarily composed of a phospholipid bilayer.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Carbohydrates are present in the cell membrane, but as glycolipids and glycoproteins, attached to the phospholipid bilayer, not the primary component.
B :x: Proteins are important for various functions in the cell membrane (transport, receptors, etc.), but they are not the primary structural component.
C :x: Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) are not structural components of the cell membrane; they are found within the nucleus and cytoplasm.
D ✓: Phospholipids form the fundamental bilayer structure of the cell membrane. 
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing the functions of membrane components with their primary structural role: Students might focus on the importance of proteins for transport and forget the phospholipids' structural role.
  2.Overlooking the amphipathic nature of phospholipids: Failing to recognize the importance of the hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions in forming the bilayer.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember the fluid mosaic model of the cell membrane, which emphasizes the phospholipid bilayer as the foundation.
  2.Visualize the amphipathic nature of phospholipids and how this leads to bilayer formation.

K SURESH KUMAR · Answer

Carbohydrates

K SURESH KUMAR · Answer

Proteins

K SURESH KUMAR · Answer

Nucleic acids

K SURESH KUMAR · Answer

The correct Option is "Phospholipids"

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