SSC MTS EXAM

Detailed explanation-1: -The long hydrocarbon chains of the fatty acids therefore move freely in the interior of the membrane, so the membrane itself is soft and flexible. In addition, both phospholipids and proteins are free to diffuse laterally within the membrane-a property that is critical for many membrane functions.

Detailed explanation-2: -Plasma membranes enclose the borders of cells, but rather than being a static bag, they are dynamic and constantly in flux. The plasma membrane must be sufficiently flexible to allow certain cells, such as red blood cells and white blood cells, to change shape as they pass through narrow capillaries.