Multiple Choice
In the context of the lipid bilayer, what is the primary function of cholesterol in the cell membrane?
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8. Membrane Structure
The Lipid Bilayer
Multiple Choice
In the context of the lipid bilayer, which set correctly lists the three main components of a phospholipid molecule?
A
A glycerol backbone, two fatty acid (hydrophobic) tails, and a phosphate-containing (hydrophilic) head group
B
A peptide backbone, two fatty acid tails, and a polar amino acid head group
C
A cholesterol ring structure, a carbohydrate chain, and a phosphate head group
D
Three fatty acid tails attached directly to a phosphate head group
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the structure of a phospholipid molecule, which is a fundamental component of the lipid bilayer in cell membranes.
Step 2: Recall that a phospholipid consists of a glycerol backbone, which serves as the central connecting molecule.
Step 3: Identify that attached to the glycerol backbone are two fatty acid tails, which are hydrophobic (water-repelling) and face inward in the bilayer.
Step 4: Recognize that the third component is a phosphate-containing head group, which is hydrophilic (water-attracting) and faces outward toward the aqueous environment.
Step 5: Compare these components to the options given and confirm that the correct set is: a glycerol backbone, two fatty acid (hydrophobic) tails, and a phosphate-containing (hydrophilic) head group.
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