Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Biological Membranes

Anatomy & Physiology

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Biological Membranes

Previous problemNext problem

Struggling with Anatomy & Physiology?

Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements about the role of phospholipids in the structure and function of biological membranes is correct?

Phospholipids are completely unable to interact with water.

Phospholipids form a single sheet in water.

Phospholipids form a structure in which the hydrophobic portion faces outward.

They are triacylglycerols, which are commonly available in foods.

Phospholipids form a selectively permeable structure.

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the basic structure of phospholipids: Phospholipids consist of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) 'head' and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) 'tails'. This amphipathic nature is crucial for their function in biological membranes.

Recognize the arrangement of phospholipids in a membrane: In an aqueous environment, phospholipids arrange themselves into a bilayer, with hydrophilic heads facing the water on both sides and hydrophobic tails facing each other, away from the water.

Identify the role of phospholipids in membrane permeability: The bilayer structure creates a selectively permeable barrier, allowing certain molecules to pass through while blocking others, which is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis.

Clarify the misconception about phospholipids interacting with water: While the hydrophobic tails avoid water, the hydrophilic heads interact with water, allowing the formation of the bilayer structure.

Differentiate phospholipids from triacylglycerols: Triacylglycerols are fats commonly found in foods and are not involved in forming biological membranes. Phospholipids, on the other hand, are key components of cell membranes due to their unique structural properties.