Paper 2 · cell structure and function

Fig 1.1 shows the structure of the cell membrane, with structures labelled A, B and C. What is the name of the molecule labelled A, which forms the bilayer that makes up the basic framework of the membrane?

Model answer

phospholipid

Also accepted: a phospholipid molecule, phospholipid molecule

Explanation: The cell membrane's basic framework is a bilayer of phospholipid molecules, each with a hydrophilic phosphate head facing the watery cytoplasm or extracellular fluid and two hydrophobic fatty acid tails facing inward, away from water.

Derived from ZIMSEC Biology Paper 2, June 2019, Q1

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Fig 1.1 shows the structure of the cell membrane, with structures labelled A, B and C. What is the name of the molecule labelled A, which forms the bilayer that makes up the basic framework of the membrane?

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