Chapter 7, Problem 11A

Summary Introduction

To fill:

The correct term in the given blank.

Introduction:

A cell is a basic structure of an organism. Every cell is surrounded by a covering called plasma membrane. It controls the entry and exit of substances into and out of the cell.

Answer to Problem 11A

The phospholipid bilayer is the basic structure molecule making up the plasma membrane.

Explanation of Solution

Most of the molecules in the plasma membrane are made of lipids. A phospholipid is a molecule that has a glycerol backbone, two fatty acid chains and a phosphate group. The basic structural molecule of a plasma membrane is a phospholipid bilayer in which two layers of phospholipids are arranged tail- to- tail. This allows the plasma membrane to exist in a watery environment.