Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
The fatty acid tails of a phospholipid are __________ because they __________.
A
hydrophobic; dissolve easily in water
B
hydrophilic; consist of units assembled by dehydration reactions
C
hydrophilic; are easily hydrolyzed into their monomers
D
hydrophobic; consist of units assembled by dehydration reactions
E
hydrophobic; have no charges to which water molecules can adhere
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of a phospholipid: A phospholipid consists of a glycerol backbone, two fatty acid tails, and a phosphate group. The fatty acid tails are nonpolar, while the phosphate group is polar.
Recognize the terms 'hydrophobic' and 'hydrophilic': 'Hydrophobic' refers to molecules that repel water, typically nonpolar molecules. 'Hydrophilic' refers to molecules that attract water, typically polar molecules.
Analyze the properties of fatty acid tails: Fatty acid tails are composed of long chains of hydrocarbons, which are nonpolar and do not have charges. This nonpolar nature makes them hydrophobic.
Consider the interaction with water: Since the fatty acid tails are hydrophobic, they do not dissolve easily in water. Water molecules cannot adhere to them due to the lack of charges.
Conclude the correct answer: The fatty acid tails of a phospholipid are hydrophobic because they have no charges to which water molecules can adhere.