Question

Phospholipids are important cell membrane constituents because they

• A. Contain glycerol
• B. Combine covalently with proteins
• C. Contain both polar and non-polar portion
• D. Can form bilayers in water

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Can form bilayers in water

Phospholipids are the lipids which have phosphate in their molecular structure. It is an important constituent of cell membrane. It is made up of two hydrophobic fatty acid tails and a hydrophilic head consisting of a phosphate group. The two constituents are joined by a glycerol molecule. It can easily form bilayer because of its amphiphilic nature. It has hydrophobic tail which does not interact with water and a hydrophilic head which can interact with water.

So, the correct answer is option D.