When fatty acid molecules are in water, they can self-organize into a bilayer (double layer) that surrounds an inner core of water.Where "middle" refers to the middle of the bilayer between the outer and inner layers of fatty acids, which of the following statements is correct?
A) The polar heads of the outer layer face outward; the polar heads of the inner layer face toward the middle.
B) The polar heads of the outer layer face outward; the polar heads of the inner layer face toward the inner water core.
C) The polar tails of the outer layer face outward; the polar tails of the inner layer face toward the middle.
D) The polar heads of the outer layer face the middle; the polar heads of the inner layer face toward the middle.
E) The polar tails of the outer layer face toward the middle; the polar tails of the inner layer face toward the inner water core.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a bilayer, the polar (hydrophilic) heads of the fatty acids face the aqueous environments, both outside and inside, while the non-polar (hydrophobic) tails face each other in the middle of the bilayer.

When Fatty Acid Molecules Are in Water, They Can Self-Organize