Question Detail
Question
Which of the following options correctly describes the lipid bilayer in a cell? A. Lipids are hydrophobic, phosphates are hydrophilic B. Lipids are hydrophobic, phosphates are hydrophobic C. Lipids are hydrophilic, phosphates are hydrophobic D. Lipids are hydrophilic, phosphates are hydrophilic
Correct Answer
Option A is the correct answer.
Detailed Explanation
Phospholipids are amphipathic molecules. They have a hydrophilic (water-loving) 'head' which contains the phosphate group, and a hydrophobic (water-fearing) 'tail' made of lipid (fatty acid) chains. In the bilayer, heads face the watery environments inside and outside the cell, while tails face inward, away from water.
Hint
Remember 'like dissolves like' – the heads like water, the tails avoid it.