Question

Which of the following statements is NOT correct about the phospholipid molecules in the plasma membrane?

• A. The polar heads face outward
• B. The nonpolar tails face inward
• C. The polar heads are hydrophobic
• D. The nonpolar tails are hydrophobic

Answer 1

The correct option is C The polar heads are hydrophobic

Phospholipids are a class of lipids that are a major component of all cell membranes. They can form lipid bilayers because of their amphiphilic characteristic. The structure of the phospholipid molecule generally consists of two hydrophobic fatty acid "tails" and a hydrophilic "head" consisting of a phosphate group. The hydrophilic polar heads face outwards and the hydrophobic non-polar tails face inwards.