The fatty acid portion of a phospholipid is insoluble in water and is therefore described as .
Question
The fatty acid portion of a phospholipid is insoluble in water and is therefore described as .
Solution
The fatty acid portion of a phospholipid is insoluble in water and is therefore described as hydrophobic.
Here's a step-by-step explanation:
-
Phospholipids are a type of lipid molecule that is a major component of all cell membranes. They can form lipid bilayers because of their amphipathic characteristic.
-
The structure of the phospholipid molecule generally consists of two parts: a hydrophilic "head" and a hydrophobic "tail".
-
The hydrophilic head is attracted to water, while the hydrophobic tail repels water.
-
The fatty acid portion of the phospholipid is the hydrophobic part. This means it does not interact well with water, hence it is insoluble in water.
-
Therefore, the fatty acid portion of a phospholipid is described as hydrophobic.
Similar Questions
Phospholipids are amphipathic, which means they contain components that:can only be in contact with water and not lipidscan only be in contact with other lipids and not waterAllow a cell to be recognisedcan be in contact with water and components that prefer to be in contact with lipids.
Which part of phospholipid is hydrophobic?Group of answer choicesFatty acids tailsPhosphate groupGlycerol backboneCarbohydrate group
What is the difference between a phospholipid and a triglyceride?
Phospholipids commonly contain all of the following structural features EXCEPT:A.a phosphate.B.a phenol.C.a glycerol backbone.D.fatty acid chains.
Lipids are insoluble in water because lipid molecules are _________?
Upgrade your grade with Knowee
Get personalized homework help. Review tough concepts in more detail, or go deeper into your topic by exploring other relevant questions.