What substances make up the bilayer of the cellular membrane?

Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are primarily responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information within cells. They do not contribute to the structural composition of the cellular membrane. Instead, nucleic acids are found in the nucleus and cytoplasm, playing roles in genetic encoding and protein synthesis, but they do not form bilayers.

Proteins are integral and peripheral components of the cellular membrane, serving various functions such as signaling, transport, and structural support. However, while they play vital roles in membrane function, they are not the main substances that constitute the bilayer itself, which is primarily made up of phospholipids.

Carbohydrates are often attached to proteins and lipids on the extracellular surface of the membrane, forming glycoproteins and glycolipids that are important for cell recognition and signaling. Nevertheless, carbohydrates do not form the bilayer of the membrane; their role is more about interaction and recognition than structural composition.