Phospholipid Molecule Structure

Question 1

Describe the characteristics of the phosphate head.

Answer 1

• The head of each molecule contains a phosphate GROUP which is hydrophilic
• Polar (like charged molecules)

Question 2

Describe characteristics of the lipid tail

Answer 2

• Lipids are fat molecules with long tails that are hydrophobic
• Non-polar (don’t like charged molecules)

Question 3

What does the chemical makeup of the phospholipid bilayer account for? What does it tell us about the molecules?

Answer 3

The chemical makeup of the bilayer accounts for the fluidity of the membrane. It also tells us about the arrangement of the molecules in the membrane

Question 4

Various types of ________ are embedded in the bilayer.

Answer 4

Various types of proteins are embedded in the bilayer. Each has a specific function.