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An amphipathic molecule contains both hydrophilic and hydrophobic portions.

a. True
b. False

User Kayue
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Final answer:

An amphipathic molecule contains both hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts; this is true and exemplified by phospholipids which form the structural basis of cell membranes.

Step-by-step explanation:

An amphipathic molecule indeed contains both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) portions, therefore the statement is true. An example of an amphipathic molecule is a phospholipid. Phospholipids are essential components of cellular membranes, with the hydrophilic 'head' comprised of a phosphate group that readily interacts with water, and the hydrophobic 'tail' made up of fatty acid chains which do not interact with water, instead preferring to align with other hydrophobic tails. In this way, the molecule exhibits amphipathic properties, crucial for forming the bilayer structure of cell membranes and for other functions like emulsifying fats in biological systems and soaps.

User Michael Myers
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