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Multiple Choice
Which region(s) of the plasma membrane are considered polar/hydrophilic?
A
The integral proteins
B
The cholesterol molecules
C
The phospholipid tails
D
The phospholipid heads
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of the plasma membrane, which is primarily composed of a phospholipid bilayer, integral proteins, cholesterol, and other molecules.
Recognize that phospholipids have a distinct structure with a hydrophilic (water-attracting) 'head' and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) 'tails'.
Identify that the hydrophilic heads of phospholipids face outward towards the aqueous environment both inside and outside the cell, making them polar.
Note that the hydrophobic tails of phospholipids face inward, away from water, and are non-polar.
Conclude that the polar/hydrophilic regions of the plasma membrane are the phospholipid heads, as they interact with the aqueous environments on either side of the membrane.