The phospholipid present in the cell membrane has

Options

A. hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails
B. hydrophobic head and hydrophilic tails
C. hydrophilic head and hydrophilic tails
D. hydrophobic head and hydrophobic tails

Answer

To answer the question regarding the characteristics of phospholipids present in the cell membrane, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Phospholipids**:
- Phospholipids are a type of lipid molecule that are fundamental components of cell membranes. They consist of two main parts: a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and hydrophobic (water-repelling) tails.

2. **Structure of Phospholipids**:
- Each phospholipid molecule has a phosphate group that forms the hydrophilic head. This head is polar, meaning it has a charge and can interact with water.
- Attached to the phosphate group are two fatty acid chains, which are hydrophobic. These tails do not interact with water and are non-polar.

3. **Formation of the Phospholipid Bilayer**:
- In an aqueous environment, phospholipids arrange themselves into a bilayer. The hydrophilic heads face outward towards the water, while the hydrophobic tails face inward, away from the water. This arrangement is crucial for the formation of a selectively permeable membrane.

4. **Identifying the Correct Option**:
- Given the options:
- Hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails (Correct)
- Hydrophobic head and hydrophilic tails (Incorrect)
- Hydrophilic head and hydrophilic tails (Incorrect)
- Hydrophobic head and hydrophobic tails (Incorrect)
- The correct answer is "hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails".

### Final Answer:
The phospholipid present in the cell membrane has a **hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails**.