B.

proteins
In addition to molecules of lipids the cell membrane contains several proteins. Most of them are embeded within the thickness of the membrane and partly project on one of its surfaces which are called integral proteins. Some integral proteins occupy the entire thickness of the membrane and may project out of both its surfaces, which are called transmembrane proteins. However some proteins looserly associate with membrane surfaces which are called peripheral proteins. Each and every cell organelle has specific set of proteins some of which are embeded in the membrane and some of them are in the matrix or lumen.

The kind and amount of proteins in membranes vary on the type and subcellular location of the membrane. Eg: 76% protein in inner mitochondrial membrane but only 18% in myelin sheath of nerve cells 1/3rd of the genes in yeast code for membrane proteins.

The functions of the proteins in the membrane are as follows:

a. They may be structural proteins that form an essential part of the structure of the membrane.
b. Some proteins play a vital role in transport across the membrane and act as pumps. Ions get attached to the protein on one surface and move with the protein to the other surface.

c. Some proteins are so shaped that they form passive channels through which substances can diffuse through the membrane. However these channels can be closed by a change in the shape of the protein. d. Other proteins act as recepters for specific hormones or neurotransmitters. e. Some proteins act as enzymes.

C. Carbohydrates The carbohydrates are attached either to the proteins

forming glycoproteins, or to the lipids forming

glycolipids. The carbohydrate layer is specially well developed on the external surface of the plasma membrane forming the cell boundary. This layer is referred to as the cell coat or glycocalyx.