Plasma membranes, the key boundary layer of cells, are composed of amphipathic molecules called phospholipids. Why would neither purely hydrophilic nor purely hydrophobic molecules be a suitable molecule for plasma membranes?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hydrophilic molecules would indeed dissolve or be too soluble in the aqueous environment, potentially disrupting the cell's integrity by not forming a stable barrier. Hydrophobic molecules, on the other hand, would not be able to interact with the aqueous environment, preventing the formation of a functional barrier that can interact with both the cell's interior and the external environment. Amphipathic molecules, like phospholipids, have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts, allowing them to form stable bilayers that are crucial for the structural integrity and function of plasma membranes.

Plasma Membranes, the Key Boundary Layer of Cells, Are Composed