Question

The phospholipid present in the cell membrane has

• A. hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails
• B. hydrophobic head and hydrophilic tails
• C. hydrophilic head and hydrophilic tails
• D. hydrophobic head and hydrophobic tails

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Phospholipids are lipid molecules made up of two fatty acids, glycerol and a phosphate group. They are components of the cell membrane and allow passage of selected substances in and out of the cell. The structure of these lipids is bilayered with a hydrophilic head (water-loving) and a hydrophobic tail (water-hating). Due to this property, they are also called amphipathic.