Which one of the following is a feature of Membrane?

The cell membrane is fundamentally characterized by a phospholipid bilayer, which serves as a semi-permeable barrier for the cell [1]. According to the fluid mosaic model, this bilayer acts as a viscous solvent in which various components are embedded [1]. These components primarily include integral and peripheral proteins, which facilitate transport and cell signaling, as well as cholesterol molecules [4]. Cholesterol is a critical lipid component in animal cell membranes that regulates membrane fluidity and structural integrity [4]. While the membrane contains lipids, they are specifically phospholipids (amphipathic) rather than neutral lipids, and the presence of proteins and cholesterol is essential for its biological function [2]. Therefore, the membrane is best described as a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins and cholesterol [2].

Sources

1. [1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/cell-membrane
2. [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK9928/
3. [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK9898/