Paper 3 · November 2023 · Cell Structure and Membranes
A phospholipid molecule is described as amphipathic because it has
Athree hydrophobic fatty acid tails attached to a hydrophilic phosphate head.
Btwo hydrophilic fatty acid tails and one hydrophobic phosphate head.
Cone hydrophilic phosphate head and two hydrophobic fatty acid tails.
Da hydrophilic glycerol backbone and no hydrophobic region at all.
Explanation
The phosphate-containing head is polar and hydrophilic, while the two fatty acid tails are non-polar and hydrophobic, giving the molecule both a water-loving and a water-fearing region.
Derived from ZIMSEC Biology 6030/3 Paper 3, November 2023, Q1