Question

What of the following is true regarding membrane asymmetry? *

A Driven by favorable thermodynamics

B Maintained by flippases

C Temperature-dependent process

D Resulting from the hydrophobic effect

Answer 1

Among the following the statement which is true regarding membrane asymmetry is:-

B) Maintained by flippases

Explanation-

The maintenance of trans bilayer lipid asymmetry is essential for normal membrane function. Once lipid asymmetry has been established, it is maintained by by a combination of slow transbilayer diffusion, protein lipid interactions and protein mediated transport

Flippases move lipids to the inner monolayer (cytosolic), floppases to the outer monolayer (extracellular or luminal), and scramblases exchange lipids between both monolayers. Scramblases are the only one that does not need ATP. The asymmetry is maintained in the cell membranes because "flip-flop" movement is rare.

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