Home
Class 11
BIOLOGY
A phospholipid molecule has a head and t...

A phospholipid molecule has a head and two tails. The tails are found :

A

at the surfaces of the membrane

B

in the interior of the membrane

C

spanning the membrane

D

both (a) and (b)

Text Solution

AI Generated Solution

The correct Answer is:
### Step-by-Step Solution: 1. **Understanding Phospholipid Structure**: A phospholipid molecule consists of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) "head" and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) "tails." This unique structure is crucial for forming cell membranes. 2. **Phospholipid Bilayer Formation**: In a cell membrane, phospholipids arrange themselves into a bilayer. The hydrophilic heads face outward towards the aqueous environment (both inside and outside the cell), while the hydrophobic tails face inward, away from water. 3. **Location of Tails**: Since the tails are hydrophobic, they are found in the interior of the membrane. This arrangement prevents water-soluble substances from easily passing through the membrane, thereby maintaining the integrity of the cell. 4. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that the hydrophobic tails of the phospholipid molecule are found in the **interior of the membrane**. ### Final Answer: The tails are found in the **interior of the membrane**. ---

### Step-by-Step Solution: 1. **Understanding Phospholipid Structure**: A phospholipid molecule consists of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) "head" and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) "tails." This unique structure is crucial for forming cell membranes. 2. **Phospholipid Bilayer Formation**: In a cell membrane, phospholipids arrange themselves into a bilayer. The hydrophilic heads face outward towards the aqueous environment (both inside and outside the cell), while the hydrophobic tails face inward, away from water. 3. **Location of Tails**: Since the tails are hydrophobic, they are found in the interior of the membrane. This arrangement prevents water-soluble substances from easily passing through the membrane, thereby maintaining the integrity of the cell. ...
Promotional Banner

Topper's Solved these Questions

  • CELL : THE UNIT OF LIFE

    ICSE|Exercise Test Your Progress (Fill in the blanks with appropriate words)|29 Videos
  • CELL : THE UNIT OF LIFE

    ICSE|Exercise Test Your Progress (State whether the following statements are true or false )|45 Videos
  • CELL - THE UNIT OF LIFE

    ICSE|Exercise REVIEW QUESTIONS (LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS)|14 Videos
  • CELL CYCLE AND CELL DIVISION

    ICSE|Exercise REVIEW QUESTIONS ( LOOK AT THE FIGURE BELOW) |2 Videos

Similar Questions

Explore conceptually related problems

A phospholipid molecule has a polar group which is

A phospholipid molecule is amphipathic and produce two layers coming in contact with H_(2)O . The head of phospholipid molecule is

A post -anal tail is found in

A post-anal tail is found in

tail of tadpole is

The head and tail of chlorophyll are made up of

A homocercal tail is found in

Heterocercal tail is found in

If three coins are tossed simultaneously, find the probability of getting: (i) two heads (ii) one head and two tails (iii) at least one head