Final answer:
The non-uniformity of lipid bilayers is mainly due to asymmetry in lipid composition.Option A is the correct answer.
Lipid bilayer non-uniformity stems from asymmetry, with polar heads outside and diverse lipid distribution between layers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The non-uniformity of lipid bilayers is mainly due to asymmetry in lipid composition. In a lipid bilayer, the polar heads of the phospholipids are on the outside in contact with water, while the nonpolar tails are on the inside of the bilayer. The composition of lipids can vary, with different types of lipids distributed unevenly between the two layers of the bilayer, creating non-uniformity.
The non-uniformity of lipid bilayers primarily arises from the asymmetry in lipid composition. Phospholipids, the key components of bilayers, exhibit a distinctive arrangement where their polar heads face outward, in contact with water, while nonpolar tails reside within the bilayer's interior. This asymmetry extends to the varied distribution of lipids between the bilayer's two layers. Different lipid types contribute to this heterogeneity, forming an uneven distribution across the membrane. This compositional diversity influences the bilayer's physical properties, such as fluidity and thickness, impacting membrane functionality. Consequently, the non-uniform lipid composition is essential for the dynamic and selective nature of biological membranes.