Why phospholipids are major part of the lipid bilayer in plasma membranes?
Correct answer: C. They are amphipathic in nature
- A. They have a nitrogenous base in the head region
- B. They have fatty acids in the tail region
- C. They are amphipathic in nature
- D. They have a phosphate group in the head region
Explanation
Phospholipids are essential components of the plasma membrane because of their amphipathic nature. This means they have both hydrophilic (water-attracting) head groups and hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail groups. This dual property allows them to spontaneously form a bilayer when placed in an aqueous environment, with the hydrophilic heads facing the water and the hydrophobic tails facing inward, away from the water. This arrangement is critical for creating a semi-permeable membrane that regulates the entry and exit of substances in and out of the cell. The other options either highlight only part of this property or incorrectly describe the structure of phospholipids.
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