Phospholipids spontaneously form a bilayer in an aqueous solution. Why do the heads of the phospholipids point out and the tails point toward one another?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The tails of the phospholipids are nonpolar and hydrophobic (water-fearing), while the heads are polar and hydrophilic (water-loving). When placed in an aqueous solution, the hydrophobic tails are repelled by the water, and thus cluster together to avoid it. The hydrophilic heads are attracted to the water and point outwards, towards the aqueous environment. This results in the formation of a bilayer, with the hydrophilic heads facing out and the hydrophobic tails facing inwards.

Phospholipids Spontaneously Form a Bilayer in an Aqueous Solution