Phospholipids are

Options

A. amphipathic
B. amphibolic
C. hydrophobic
D. none of these

Answer

To answer the question "Phospholipids are," we will analyze the options provided and determine the correct classification of phospholipids.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Phospholipids**:
- Phospholipids are a type of lipid molecule that are a major component of all cell membranes. They consist of two fatty acid tails and a phosphate group.

2. **Identifying Characteristics**:
- Phospholipids have a hydrophilic (water-attracting) "head" that contains the phosphate group and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) "tails" made of fatty acids.

3. **Defining Amphipathic**:
- The term "amphipathic" refers to molecules that have both hydrophilic (polar) and hydrophobic (non-polar) parts. This characteristic allows phospholipids to form bilayers in aqueous environments, which is crucial for cell membrane structure.

4. **Evaluating Options**:
- **Option A: Amphipathic** - This is correct as phospholipids have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions.
- **Option B: Amphibolic** - This term refers to molecules that play a role in both catabolic and anabolic pathways, which does not describe phospholipids.
- **Option C: Hydrophobic** - While phospholipids have hydrophobic tails, this option does not fully describe them since they also have a hydrophilic head.
- **Option D: None of these** - This is incorrect as we have identified that they are amphipathic.

5. **Final Answer**:
- Therefore, the correct answer is **Option A: Amphipathic**.