A major component of cell membranes is the phospholipid bilayer. Which of the following statements is(are) FALSE?
I. The bilayer provides a barrier to charged ions
II. Polar molecules such as glucose can pass through the membrane
III. Protein molecules act as gates in the phospholipid bilayer allowing nutrients to enter into the cell
IV. The bilayer consists of two nearly parallel rows with the hydrophobic tails facing out toward the solution and acting as a barrier to water soluble species.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

II and IV are false because polar molecules like glucose cannot easily pass through the lipid bilayer without assistance, and in the phospholipid bilayer, the hydrophobic tails face inward, away from water, not outward.

A Major Component of Cell Membranes Is the Phospholipid Bilayer