Which aspect of phospholipids is most important to the formation of bilayers?
A) Their size is small, relative to fats.
B) They are amphipathic.
C) Their size is large, relative to cholesterol.
D) Their hydrocarbon tails can consist of fatty acids or isoprene subunits.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The amphipathic nature of phospholipids, with a hydrophilic head and a hydrophobic tail, is essential for the formation of bilayers in membranes. This allows the heads to associate with the aqueous environment while the tails interact with each other creating a barrier between the two environments. The size of the phospholipids relative to fats or cholesterol is not as crucial for bilayer formation, and the types of hydrocarbon tails that phospholipids can have are not directly relevant to bilayer formation.

Which Aspect of Phospholipids Is Most Important to the Formation