Question

Which of the following is preferentially found in the cytosolic leaflet of the plasma membrane in mammalian cells?

1) Cholesterol
2) Phosphatidylserine
3) Phosphatidylcholine
4) Sphingomyelin
5) Glycolipid

Answer 1

Phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin are preferentially found in the cytosolic leaflet of the plasma membrane in mammalian cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

The phospholipids found in the cytosolic leaflet of the plasma membrane in mammalian cells are phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin. Phosphatidylcholine is a major constituent of the plasma membrane and has a common structure with two fatty acids attached to a glycerol backbone, with a phosphate and choline in the third position. Sphingomyelin is a sphingolipid that contains sphingosine, and it also contributes to the cytosolic leaflet of the plasma membrane. Cholesterol is present in the plasma membrane but is not preferentially found in the cytosolic leaflet.