Which of the following processes occurs during the formation of the plasma membrane?

• A. Protein denaturation
• B. DNA replication
• C. Glycolysis
• D. Phospholipid bilayer assembly

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the structure of the plasma membrane: The plasma membrane is primarily composed of a phospholipid bilayer, which provides a semi-permeable barrier between the cell and its environment.
2. Identify the components involved in the formation of the plasma membrane: The key components are phospholipids, which have hydrophilic (water-attracting) heads and hydrophobic (water-repelling) tails.
3. Explore the process of phospholipid bilayer assembly: Phospholipids spontaneously arrange themselves into a bilayer in aqueous environments, with hydrophobic tails facing inward and hydrophilic heads facing outward.
4. Recognize that protein denaturation, DNA replication, and glycolysis are not directly involved in the formation of the plasma membrane: Protein denaturation involves the unfolding of proteins, DNA replication is the process of copying DNA, and glycolysis is the metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose.
5. Conclude that phospholipid bilayer assembly is the correct process involved in the formation of the plasma membrane, as it directly relates to the structural organization of the membrane.