Biological membranes are held together mainly by:Group of answer choiceshydrogen bonds between lipid molecules.hydration layers over lipid molecules.hydrogen bonds between water molecules.surface tension at the interface between layers of water molecules.exclusion of the nonpolar regions of lipids by water.
Question
Biological membranes are held together mainly by:Group of answer choiceshydrogen bonds between lipid molecules.hydration layers over lipid molecules.hydrogen bonds between water molecules.surface tension at the interface between layers of water molecules.exclusion of the nonpolar regions of lipids by water.
Solution
Biological membranes are primarily held together by the exclusion of the nonpolar regions of lipids by water. This is due to the hydrophobic effect, where water molecules exclude nonpolar substances to maintain their hydrogen bonding network. This causes the nonpolar (hydrophobic) tails of the lipid molecules to face inward, away from the water, forming a bilayer. The polar (hydrophilic) heads face outward, interacting with the water. This arrangement is energetically favorable and helps to stabilize the membrane structure.
Similar Questions
The cell membrane consists of fatty substances arranged in a double layer called a lipid _____, which separates the intracellular material from the extracellular material.
Which lipids form the main structure of MOST cell membranes?SteroidsTriglyceridesHydrogenatesPhospholipids
Membrane Lipid-Protein Interactions. provide a detailed information regarding the above topic, give specific examples where possible.
Explain the importance of lipid symmetry in biological membranes
Individual water molecules are held to one another by relatively weak ________ bonds.
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.