Multiple Choice
In the context of the lipid bilayer, what is the primary function of the cell (plasma) membrane?
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8. Membrane Structure
The Lipid Bilayer
Multiple Choice
In the context of the lipid bilayer, what best describes a phospholipid?
A
A carbohydrate made of repeating monosaccharides that forms the main structural component of membranes
B
An amphipathic molecule with a hydrophilic phosphate-containing head and two hydrophobic fatty acid tails
C
A steroid with four fused carbon rings that forms channels allowing ions to cross the membrane
D
A polymer of amino acids linked by peptide bonds that primarily functions as an enzyme in membranes
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the structure of a phospholipid: it consists of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) 'head' and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) 'tails'.
Recognize that the hydrophilic head contains a phosphate group, which is polar and interacts well with water.
Know that the hydrophobic tails are made of fatty acid chains, which avoid water and tend to cluster together.
Recall that this amphipathic nature (having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts) allows phospholipids to form the lipid bilayer structure of cell membranes.
Compare this description with the other options to identify that the correct description of a phospholipid is an amphipathic molecule with a hydrophilic phosphate-containing head and two hydrophobic fatty acid tails.
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