Multiple Choice
In a phospholipid that makes up the lipid bilayer, which part of the molecule is hydrophobic?
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8. Membrane Structure
The Lipid Bilayer
Multiple Choice
In the context of the lipid bilayer, which part of a phospholipid is polar (hydrophilic)?
A
The phosphate-containing head group
B
The ester bonds linking fatty acids to glycerol
C
The terminal methyl (–CH3) groups on the tails
D
The fatty acid hydrocarbon tails
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the structure of a phospholipid: it consists of a glycerol backbone, two fatty acid tails, and a phosphate-containing head group.
Recall that polarity refers to the distribution of electric charge leading to hydrophilic (water-attracting) or hydrophobic (water-repelling) properties.
Identify that the fatty acid hydrocarbon tails are long chains of nonpolar hydrocarbons, making them hydrophobic.
Recognize that the phosphate-containing head group has charged or polar groups, making it hydrophilic and able to interact with water.
Conclude that the polar (hydrophilic) part of a phospholipid is the phosphate-containing head group.
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