Select the correct statements regarding cell membrane in eukaryotic cell. A. Membrane of human RBCs has approximately 52% protein. B. Major phospholipids are arranged in a bilayer. C. Extensions of the plasma membrane into the cell form mesosomes. D. Tails towards the inner part of lipids are hydrophobic and thus protected from aqueous medium. E. Glycocalyx is present on the outer surface of the plasma membrane. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Solution & Explanation

Answer: (C) A, B and D only Solution: Statements A, B and D are correct per NCERT: the erythrocyte (RBC) membrane has approximately 52 per cent protein; the major phospholipids are arranged in a bilayer; and the hydrophobic tails point towards the inner part so the nonpolar tail is protected from the aqueous environment. Statement C is wrong because mesosomes (infoldings of plasma membrane) are a prokaryotic feature, not of eukaryotic cell membranes. Statement E is also out of context here, as NCERT describes glycocalyx as the outermost layer of the prokaryotic cell envelope, not of the eukaryotic plasma membrane. NCERT Reference: Ch 8, p.93, lines 17-21 and 25-26: "The major lipids are phospholipids that are arranged in a bilayer... the hydrophobic tails towards the inner part. This ensures that the nonpolar tail of saturated hydrocarbons is protected from the aqueous environment... the membrane of the erythrocyte has approximately 52 per cent protein".