Plasma membrane, particularly in animal cells, is elastic due to

Options

A. Lipids
B. Proteins
C. Carbohydrates
D. None of these

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Plasma Membrane**: The plasma membrane is a crucial component of animal cells, acting as a barrier that separates the interior of the cell from the external environment.

2. **Composition of the Plasma Membrane**: According to the fluid mosaic model proposed by Singer and Nicholson in 1972, the plasma membrane is primarily composed of a lipid bilayer. This bilayer consists of phospholipids, which have hydrophilic (water-attracting) heads and hydrophobic (water-repelling) tails.

3. **Role of Lipids**: The lipid bilayer is not rigid; it has a quasi-fluid nature. This means that the lipids can move laterally within the layer, allowing for flexibility and elasticity in the membrane structure.

4. **Protein Embedding**: Proteins are embedded within this lipid bilayer. They can move around, which contributes to the fluidity of the membrane. The presence of these proteins, along with the lipids, helps maintain the structure and function of the plasma membrane.

5. **Factors Affecting Elasticity**: The elasticity of the plasma membrane is influenced by the composition of lipids and the temperature. Higher temperatures can increase fluidity, while certain lipid compositions can enhance or reduce membrane flexibility.

6. **Conclusion**: Given that the elasticity of the plasma membrane in animal cells is primarily due to the lipid components, the correct answer to the question is that the plasma membrane is elastic due to **lipids**.

### Final Answer:
The plasma membrane, particularly in animal cells, is elastic due to **lipids**.

---