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Multiple Choice
How do phospholipids interact with water molecules? a) The polar heads avoid water; the nonpolar tails attract water (because water is polar and opposites attract). b) Phospholipids do not interact with water because water is polar and lipids are nonpolar. c) The polar heads interact with water; the nonpolar tails do not. d) Phospholipids dissolve in water.
A
The polar heads avoid water; the nonpolar tails attract water (because water is polar and opposites attract).
B
Phospholipids do not interact with water because water is polar and lipids are nonpolar.
C
The polar heads interact with water; the nonpolar tails do not.
D
Phospholipids dissolve in water.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of phospholipids: Phospholipids are composed of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) 'head' and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) 'tails'.
Recognize the nature of water: Water is a polar molecule, meaning it has a partial positive charge on one side and a partial negative charge on the other, which allows it to interact with other polar molecules.
Analyze the interaction between phospholipids and water: The hydrophilic heads of phospholipids are attracted to water molecules due to their polar nature, allowing them to interact and form hydrogen bonds.
Consider the behavior of the hydrophobic tails: The nonpolar tails of phospholipids do not interact with water. Instead, they tend to avoid water and aggregate together, minimizing their exposure to water.
Conclude the overall interaction: In an aqueous environment, phospholipids arrange themselves into a bilayer, with the hydrophilic heads facing the water and the hydrophobic tails facing inward, away from the water.