Formation of micelles and bilayers

Question 1

Phospholipids

Answer 1

In water, phospholipids organise themselves into micelles and lipid bilayers

Question 2

Structure of phospholipids

Answer 2

1)The hydrophilic portion of phospholipids face outwards and interacts with the surrounding water molecules

2) The hydrophobic tail portion aggregates and point inwards to form a hydrophobic core

Question 3

Phospholipids can assemble into various structures

Answer 3

1)Liposomes or vesicles

2)Micelles

3)Phospholipids bilayers

Question 4

1)Liposomes or vesicles

Answer 4

Made of a phospholipid bilayer forming a hollow centre, and containing a hydrophilic core surrounded by a hydrophobic layer

Useful for: transporting hydrophilic structures internally

Question 5

2)Micelles

Answer 5

Made of a phospholipid monolayer and containing a hydrophobic core

Useful for: transporting hydrophobic substances internally

Question 6

3)Phospholipids bilayers

Answer 6

Resemble sheets, containing a hydrophilic surface and a hydrophobic centre

Useful for: forming membrane walls

Note: Phospholipid bilayer is a main component of cell membranes

Question 7

Biological Functions

Answer 7

Structural component of cell membrane