NEET · BiologyHard
In the context of the fluid mosaic model, the lateral diffusion rate of membrane proteins is significantly lower than that of lipids. Which factor primarily contributes to this restricted mobility?
- A.The presence of high concentrations of cholesterol in the bilayer
- B.The covalent attachment of proteins to the underlying cytoskeleton
- C.The high viscosity of the hydrophobic core of the membrane
- D.The rapid flip-flop movement of proteins between leaflets
Show correct answer & step-by-step solution
Correct answer: B — The covalent attachment of proteins to the underlying cytoskeleton
Solution
- Membrane proteins are larger and more complex than lipid molecules.
- Many integral membrane proteins are tethered to the cortical cytoskeleton.
- This tethering creates physical barriers that limit the lateral diffusion of these proteins.
- Hence the answer is (B).
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