Explain how the phospholipids in a cell membrane are arranged in an aqueous environment. Be sure to explain the structure of the individual phospholipids and which parts are hydrophobic or hydrophilic and why.

Question

Explain how the phospholipids in a cell membrane are arranged in an aqueous environment.  Be sure to explain the structure of the individual phospholipids and which parts are hydrophobic or hydrophilic and why.

anonymous · Answer

Phospholipids will form a lipid bilayer. The fatty acid tails will face inside (towards one another) and the phosphate heads will face outside (towards the aqueous environment).
In an aqueous environment, phospholipids form a lipid bilayer to prevent water soluble material from diffusing to places it doesn't belong