Question

question 1: which plasma membrane component can be either found on its surface or embedded in the membrane structure? protein cholesterol carbohydrate phospholipid nucleic acids question 2 1 pts which characteristic of a phospholipid contributes to an increase in the fluidity of the membrane? its head cholesterol a saturated fatty acid a cis unsaturated fatty acid a trans unsaturated fatty acid question 3 1 pts what is the primary function of carbohydrates attached to the exterior of cell membranes? aids in identification of the cell. increase the flexibility of the membrane. aids in strengthening the membrane. decreases fluidity to the membrane. increases fluidity to the membrane.

Explanation:

Question 1:

Proteins in the plasma membrane can be peripheral (on the surface) or integral (embedded). Cholesterol is embedded but not on - surface. Carbohydrates are on the surface attached to lipids or proteins. Phospholipids form the bilayer and are not just on the surface or embedded in that sense. Nucleic acids are not plasma - membrane components.

Question 2:

Cis - unsaturated fatty acids in phospholipids have a kink due to the double bond, which prevents them from packing tightly together, increasing membrane fluidity. Saturated fatty acids and trans - unsaturated fatty acids allow for more tight packing. The head of the phospholipid is not related to fluidity in this context, and cholesterol has a more complex role in regulating fluidity rather than being a characteristic of the phospholipid itself for increasing fluidity.

Question 3:

Carbohydrates attached to the exterior of cell membranes, often as glycoproteins or glycolipids, are important for cell - cell recognition and identification. They do not primarily increase membrane flexibility, strengthen the membrane, or have a major role in directly affecting membrane fluidity.

Answer:

1. protein
2. a cis unsaturated fatty acid
3. Aids in identification of the cell.