Multiple Choice
The plasma membrane of a cell primarily consists of which of the following structural arrangements?
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8. Membrane Structure
The Lipid Bilayer
Multiple Choice
In the context of the lipid bilayer, which of the following is a component of a phospholipid molecule?
A
A chain of nucleotides with a sugar-phosphate backbone and nitrogenous bases
B
A polymer of amino acids joined by peptide bonds
C
A glycerol backbone linked to two fatty acid tails and a phosphate-containing head group
D
A triglyceride composed of glycerol linked to three fatty acid tails
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the structure of a phospholipid molecule, which is a major component of the lipid bilayer in cell membranes.
Recall that a phospholipid consists of three main parts: a glycerol backbone, two fatty acid tails, and a phosphate-containing head group.
Recognize that the glycerol backbone serves as the central connecting molecule to which the fatty acid tails and phosphate head group are attached.
Note that the fatty acid tails are hydrophobic (water-repelling) and form the interior of the bilayer, while the phosphate-containing head group is hydrophilic (water-attracting) and faces the aqueous environment.
Compare the given options and identify that the correct description of a phospholipid matches the one with a glycerol backbone linked to two fatty acid tails and a phosphate-containing head group.
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