When phospholipids are added to water, they arrange themselves so that

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Phospholipids are amphipathic molecules, meaning they have both hydrophobic (nonpolar) and hydrophilic (polar) regions. In water, phospholipids will orient themselves so that their hydrophobic tails are shielded from the water, and their hydrophilic heads interact with the water. This results in the formation of a lipid bilayer, with the hydrophobic tails pointing inward towards each other and the hydrophilic heads facing the aqueous environment on either side. This arrangement is seen in cell membranes, where phospholipid bilayers form the structural basis of the membrane. Choice D is the correct answer because it includes both options A and C, which are both true statements about the orientation of phospholipids in water.

When Phospholipids Are Added to Water, They Arrange Themselves So