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Multiple Choice
Which of the following movements of a phospholipid are energetically favorable within the bilayer?
A
Rotation around its axis
B
Transverse diffusion
C
Flip-flop between leaflets
D
Lateral diffusion
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of a phospholipid bilayer: It consists of two layers of phospholipids with hydrophilic heads facing outward and hydrophobic tails facing inward.
Identify the types of movements possible for phospholipids within the bilayer: rotation around its axis, lateral diffusion, transverse diffusion, and flip-flop between leaflets.
Consider the energy requirements for each type of movement: Rotation around its axis and lateral diffusion are generally energetically favorable because they do not require the phospholipid to move through the hydrophobic core of the bilayer.
Analyze transverse diffusion and flip-flop between leaflets: These movements involve the phospholipid moving from one leaflet to the other, which is energetically unfavorable due to the need to pass through the hydrophobic core.
Conclude that lateral diffusion is energetically favorable within the bilayer, as it involves movement within the same leaflet and does not require crossing the hydrophobic core.