Membrane composition—identify what is not a membrane component Which of the following macromolecules is generally not a structural component of cellular membranes?

Introduction / Context:
Understanding membrane composition helps explain permeability, signaling, and cell recognition. Membranes are mosaics of lipids and proteins decorated with carbohydrates.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Biological membranes contain a lipid bilayer (phospholipids, glycolipids, sterols) and proteins (integral and peripheral).
• Carbohydrates appear as glycans on glycoproteins and glycolipids.
• Nucleic acids are not typical membrane structural components.

Concept / Approach:
Select the item not belonging to the standard membrane architecture. While nucleic acids associate with membranes in specialized contexts (for example, viral genomes in envelopes), they are not structural constituents of cellular membranes.

Step-by-Step Solution:
List normal components: phospholipids, glycolipids, sterols, proteins, and carbohydrate moieties.Identify the outlier: nucleic acids.Choose the option representing the outlier.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard biochemistry texts define membranes as lipid–protein assemblies with extracellular glycans; no nucleic acid scaffold is present.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Glycoproteins / glycolipids: Mediate recognition and signaling.
• Phospholipids / sterols: Core bilayer components that set fluidity and order.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming any cell component is present everywhere; membrane composition is specialized.

Final Answer:
Nucleic acids.