Multiple Choice
In the context of the lipid bilayer, the head of a phospholipid is best described as which of the following?
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8. Membrane Structure
The Lipid Bilayer
Multiple Choice
In the context of the lipid bilayer, a phospholipid molecule has which of the following structural features?
A
Three hydrophobic fatty acid tails and no polar head group
B
A hydrophilic (polar) head group and two hydrophobic (nonpolar) fatty acid tails
C
A single fatty acid tail attached directly to a sugar head group, making it fully hydrophilic
D
A hydrophobic (nonpolar) head group and two hydrophilic (polar) fatty acid tails
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall the basic structure of a phospholipid molecule, which is a major component of the lipid bilayer in cell membranes.
Understand that phospholipids have a distinct amphipathic nature, meaning they contain both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) parts.
Identify that the hydrophilic part of a phospholipid is the polar head group, which typically contains a phosphate group and is oriented towards the aqueous environment.
Recognize that the hydrophobic part consists of two nonpolar fatty acid tails, which avoid water and face inward, forming the interior of the lipid bilayer.
Use this knowledge to evaluate the options and confirm that the correct structural feature of a phospholipid is having a hydrophilic (polar) head group and two hydrophobic (nonpolar) fatty acid tails.
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