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Multiple Choice
How are the phospholipids arranged in the cell membrane?
A
In a single layer with hydrophobic tails facing outward
B
In a bilayer with hydrophobic tails facing inward
C
In a single layer with hydrophilic heads facing outward
D
In a bilayer with hydrophilic heads facing inward
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of a phospholipid: A phospholipid molecule consists of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) tails.
Recognize the environment of the cell membrane: The cell membrane separates the aqueous environment inside the cell from the aqueous environment outside the cell.
Consider the arrangement of phospholipids in a bilayer: In order to create a stable barrier between the two aqueous environments, phospholipids arrange themselves in a bilayer.
Visualize the bilayer structure: In this bilayer, the hydrophilic heads face outward towards the water on both sides (inside and outside the cell), while the hydrophobic tails face inward, away from the water, towards each other.
Conclude the arrangement: This arrangement forms a stable membrane structure, with the hydrophilic heads interacting with the aqueous environments and the hydrophobic tails shielded from water, creating a semi-permeable membrane.