Question

11-1 Indicate whether the following statements are true or false. If a statement is false,

explain why it is false.
A. Although cholesterol is a hydrophobic molecule, it has a hydrophilic head
group like all other membrane lipids.
B. Phosphatidylserine is the most abundant type of phospholipid found in cell
membranes.
C. Glycolipids lack the glycerol component found in phospholipids.
D. The highly ordered structure of the lipid bilayer makes its generation and
maintenance energetically unfavorable.

Answer 1

The tails of phospholipid molecules are hydrophobic fatty acid chains, and these molecules form a phospholipid bilayer in the plasma membrane. Cholesterol also contributes to the cell membrane structure. The bilayer's formation, despite seeming energetically unfavorable, is enabled by the amphipathic nature of lipids.

Step-by-step explanation:

The tail of a phospholipid molecule in the plasma membrane is made up of two fatty acid chains. This part of the molecule is hydrophobic, meaning it repels water. The two layers of phospholipids found in the plasma membrane are called a phospholipid bilayer. It is important to understand that phospholipids are structured in a way that allows them to form this bilayer, with the hydrophilic (water-attracting) heads facing the water-rich environment inside and outside the cell, and the hydrophobic tails facing inward, away from water, which is fundamental for maintaining the integrity of cell membranes.

Lipids such as phospholipids and cholesterol make up the cell membrane and play pivotal roles in its structure and function. Moreover, the lipid bilayer is able to form and maintain its structure due to the amphipathic nature of phospholipids, even though this organization might seem energetically unfavorable at first glance.