Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the structure of a biological membrane?
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6. The Membrane
Biological Membranes
Multiple Choice
How are the tails and heads of membrane phospholipids oriented in their environment?
A
The hydrophobic tails face outward, towards water, while the hydrophilic heads face inward, away from water.
B
Both the hydrophobic tails and hydrophilic heads face outward, towards water.
C
Both the hydrophobic tails and hydrophilic heads face inward, away from water.
D
The hydrophobic tails face inward, away from water, while the hydrophilic heads face outward, towards water.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the structure of a phospholipid: Phospholipids have a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) tails.
Recognize the environment of a cell membrane: The cell membrane is surrounded by water both inside and outside the cell.
Consider the behavior of hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts: Hydrophilic heads will orient themselves towards the aqueous environment, while hydrophobic tails will avoid water.
Visualize the arrangement in a bilayer: In a phospholipid bilayer, the hydrophilic heads face outward towards the water on both sides, while the hydrophobic tails face inward, away from the water.
Conclude the orientation: The correct orientation is that the hydrophobic tails face inward, away from water, while the hydrophilic heads face outward, towards water.
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