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

Question

Which of the following biological roles is primarily associated with lecithin, a low molecular weight organic compound found in cell membranes?

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: B
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
	**Primary Concept**: Cell membrane structure and function
	**Related Topics**: Lipids, phospholipids, amphipathic molecules, membrane fluidity
	**Prerequisites**: Basic understanding of cell biology and organic molecules.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
	Lecithin is a low molecular weight organic compound found in cell membranes.
**Method & Steps**:
	1. **Identify the nature of lecithin**: Lecithin is a type of phospholipid.
		Reasoning: Phospholipids are a major component of cell membranes.
	2. **Recall the role of phospholipids**: Phospholipids form a bilayer due to their amphipathic nature (having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts).  This bilayer provides the structural basis of the cell membrane.
		Key Point: The hydrophilic heads interact with the aqueous environment inside and outside the cell, while the hydrophobic tails interact with each other, forming a barrier.
	3. **Connect lecithin's role to membrane structure**: As a phospholipid, lecithin contributes to the formation and maintenance of the cell membrane structure.
		Result: Maintaining cell membrane structure.
		Verification: This aligns with the known function of lecithin and other phospholipids in biological systems.
## OPTION ANALYSIS
[A] :x: Energy storage: While some lipids like triglycerides store energy, lecithin's primary role is not energy storage.
[B] ✓: Maintaining cell membrane structure: Lecithin, as a phospholipid, is a crucial component of cell membranes, contributing to their structure and function.
[C] :x: Catalyzing enzymatic reactions: Enzymes, typically proteins, catalyze reactions. Lecithin's primary function is not enzymatic catalysis.
[D] :x: Genetic information storage:  Genetic information is stored in nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), not lipids like lecithin.
## LEARNING AIDS
	**Common Mistakes**:
		1. Confusing the roles of different types of lipids:  Recognize that different lipids have distinct functions (e.g., energy storage, membrane structure, hormonal signaling).
		2. Overlooking the amphipathic nature of phospholipids: Understanding this property is key to grasping how they form membranes.
	**Quick Tips**:
		1. Remember 'phospholipid bilayer' as the core of cell membrane structure.
		2. Visualize the hydrophilic heads facing outwards and hydrophobic tails facing inwards in the membrane.

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Energy storage

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

The correct Option is "Maintaining cell membrane structure"

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Catalyzing enzymatic reactions

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Genetic information storage

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