Question

Which of the following describes why phospholipids are better suited to forming the cell membrane than regular fats or steroids?
a. Their glycerol head allows them to bond easily with most other molecules.
b. Their phosphate group gives them a hydrophilic end.
c. Their three-pronged structure allows them to store large amounts of energy.
d. Their unique ringed structure provides them with the ability to regulate cell metabolism.

Answer 1

B.

Phospholipids are well suited to forming boundaries between aqueous environments (i.e., the inside of the cell and outside of the cell) because they have a polar (hydrophillic) phosphate group on one end and a non-polar (hydrophobic) hydrocarbon group on the other.