Question

Phospholipids are important components of cell membranes because they

• A. can be easily phosphorylated by ATP.
• B. can transport sodium and potassium ions across the membrane.
• C. form a layered structure that can interface with water on two surfaces.
• D. form a lipid bilayer with their hydrophobic surface facing outward.

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

The phospholipids are lipids with phosphate in their structure. It acts as a barrier and allows only selective passage of molecules and ions in and out o the cell. The characteristic feature of phospholipids is that they act as hydrophilic(head) and also as hydrophobic(tail) molecules and therefore are known as amphipathic as it forms bilayers in water.