Which of the following statements regarding animal cell membrane is correct ?

The animal cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is a semi-permeable structure described by the Fluid Mosaic Model. It is not composed of a single type of molecule but is a complex mixture of several components:

• Phospholipids: These form the primary structural framework (the lipid bilayer), creating a hydrophobic barrier.
• Proteins: Integral and peripheral proteins are embedded in or attached to the bilayer, facilitating transport, signal transduction, and cell recognition.
• Cholesterol: This specific type of lipid is interspersed among the phospholipids in animal cells. It plays a vital role in regulating membrane fluidity and structural integrity, preventing the membrane from becoming too rigid or too fluid.

Since the membrane requires all three components to function effectively, Option D is the most accurate. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they use the word 'only,' which excludes other essential structural elements.