Which characteristic correctly describes the cell membrane according to the fluid mosaic model?

The question lacks options, the options are:

A. fixed

B. elastic

C. rigid

D. constant

The answer is B, elastic

Explanation:

According to the fluid mosaic model proposed in 1972 to describe the structure of the cell membrane, it is composed of phospholipid, protein and cholesterol components. The phospholipid component is made up of long fatty acid tails and a phosphate group head that confers the AMPHIPATHIC nature of the cell membrane on it i.e. contain both hydrophobic (water-fearing) and hydrophilic (water-loving) regions.

This amphipathic nature of the plasma membrane makes it selectively permeable i.e. regulates what goes in and out of the cell. However, the fluid mosaic model describes the cell membrane to be made up of fluids, giving it an elastic characteristics i.e ability to change shape. This accounts for why cells like red blood cells can alter their shape.

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