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Multiple Choice
Why do phospholipids orient themselves tail-to-tail in a bilayer?
A
Because the hydrophobic tails repel water and face inward
B
Because the hydrophilic heads repel water and face outward
C
Because the hydrophilic heads attract water and face inward
D
Because the hydrophobic tails attract water and face outward
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 behavior of hydrophilic heads: The hydrophilic heads are attracted to water, which is why they orient themselves towards the aqueous environment, either inside or outside the cell.
Recognize the behavior of hydrophobic tails: The hydrophobic tails repel water, so they avoid contact with the aqueous environment and face inward, away from the water.
Visualize the bilayer formation: In an aqueous environment, phospholipids arrange themselves in a bilayer with the hydrophilic heads facing the water on both sides and the hydrophobic tails facing each other, creating a stable structure.
Conclude the orientation: The orientation of phospholipids in a bilayer is due to the hydrophilic heads facing outward towards the water and the hydrophobic tails facing inward, away from the water, forming a tail-to-tail arrangement.