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A phospholipid molecule is amphipathic and produces two layers coming in contact with H2O. The head of phospholipid molecule is
- a)at an angle of 40º
- b)at the outer surface
- c)on the inner side
- d)embedded in protein molecules
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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A phospholipid molecule is amphipathic and produces two layers coming ...
The lipid molecules are amphipathic, i.e., they possess both polar hydrophilic (water loving) and nonpolar hydrophobic (water repelling) ends. The hydrophilic region is in the form of a head occurring at outer surface while the hydrophobic part contains two tails of fatty acids. Hydrophobic tails usually occur towards the centre of the membrane. It results in the formation of a lipid bilayer. Most common lipid in the bilayer is phospholipid.
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A phospholipid molecule is amphipathic and produces two layers coming ...
Understanding Phospholipid Structure
Phospholipids are essential components of cell membranes and are characterized by their amphipathic nature, meaning they have both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) regions.
Amphipathic Nature
- The **hydrophilic head** contains a phosphate group, which is polar and interacts favorably with water.
- The **hydrophobic tails** consist of long fatty acid chains that are non-polar and repel water.
Formation of Bilayers
When phospholipids are placed in water, they spontaneously arrange themselves into a bilayer:
- **Hydrophilic Heads**: These face outward towards the water, exposing the polar phosphate groups to the aqueous environment.
- **Hydrophobic Tails**: These face inward, away from the water, creating a hydrophobic core.
Why the Head is at the Outer Surface
The correct answer, option 'B', indicates that the head of the phospholipid molecule is positioned at the outer surface of the bilayer. This arrangement is critical for several reasons:
- **Cell Membrane Integrity**: The outward-facing hydrophilic heads interact with the surrounding aqueous environment, which is vital for maintaining the structure and integrity of the cell membrane.
- **Selective Permeability**: This orientation allows the cell to regulate the movement of substances in and out, as the hydrophobic core acts as a barrier to most water-soluble molecules.
Conclusion
In summary, the amphipathic nature of phospholipids leads to their arrangement into bilayers, with hydrophilic heads at the outer surfaces, crucial for cell membrane function and stability.
Phospholipids are essential components of cell membranes and are characterized by their amphipathic nature, meaning they have both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) regions.
Amphipathic Nature
- The **hydrophilic head** contains a phosphate group, which is polar and interacts favorably with water.
- The **hydrophobic tails** consist of long fatty acid chains that are non-polar and repel water.
Formation of Bilayers
When phospholipids are placed in water, they spontaneously arrange themselves into a bilayer:
- **Hydrophilic Heads**: These face outward towards the water, exposing the polar phosphate groups to the aqueous environment.
- **Hydrophobic Tails**: These face inward, away from the water, creating a hydrophobic core.
Why the Head is at the Outer Surface
The correct answer, option 'B', indicates that the head of the phospholipid molecule is positioned at the outer surface of the bilayer. This arrangement is critical for several reasons:
- **Cell Membrane Integrity**: The outward-facing hydrophilic heads interact with the surrounding aqueous environment, which is vital for maintaining the structure and integrity of the cell membrane.
- **Selective Permeability**: This orientation allows the cell to regulate the movement of substances in and out, as the hydrophobic core acts as a barrier to most water-soluble molecules.
Conclusion
In summary, the amphipathic nature of phospholipids leads to their arrangement into bilayers, with hydrophilic heads at the outer surfaces, crucial for cell membrane function and stability.
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A phospholipid molecule is amphipathic and produces two layers coming in contact with H2O. The head of phospholipid molecule isa)at an angle of 40ºb)at the outer surfacec)on the inner sided)embedded in protein moleculesCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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