When biological membranes are frozen and then fractured, they tend to break along the middle of the bilayer. The best explanation for this is that
A) the integral membrane proteins are not strong enough to hold the bilayer together.
B) water that is present in the middle of the bilayer freezes and is easily fractured.
C) hydrophilic interactions between the opposite membrane surfaces are destroyed on freezing.
D) the carbon-carbon bonds of the phospholipid tails are easily broken.
E) the hydrophobic interactions that hold the membrane together are weakest at this point.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The hydrophobic interactions that hold the membrane together are weakest at the middle of the bilayer, where the nonpolar fatty acid tails are located. This makes the membrane more vulnerable to fracture at this point during freezing and fracturing.

When Biological Membranes Are Frozen and Then Fractured, They Tend