QuestionMay 4, 2026

Phospholipids 1. Heads: 2. Tails: 3. Structure phospholipid bilayer 4. Which molecules can move freely through the membrane?

Phospholipids 1. Heads: 2. Tails: 3. Structure phospholipid bilayer 4. Which molecules can move freely through the membrane?
Phospholipids 1. Heads: 2. Tails: 3. Structure phospholipid bilayer 4. Which molecules can move freely through the membrane?

Solution
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Answer

1. Hydrophilic, polar phosphate groups ### 2. Hydrophobic, nonpolar fatty acid chains ### 3. Double layer with heads outward, tails inward ### 4. Small nonpolar and small uncharged polar molecules (e.g., O₂, CO₂, H₂O) Explanation 1. Identify heads Hydrophilic (polar) phosphate-containing groups face outward toward water. 2. Identify tails Hydrophobic (nonpolar) fatty acid chains face inward, away from water. 3. Structure of phospholipid bilayer Two layers with heads facing external and internal aqueous environments; tails face each other inside. 4. Molecules that can move freely Small, nonpolar molecules (O₂, CO₂) and some small uncharged polar molecules (H₂O) diffuse freely; ions and large polar molecules need transport proteins.

Explanation

1. Identify heads <br /> Hydrophilic (polar) phosphate-containing groups face outward toward water. <br />2. Identify tails <br /> Hydrophobic (nonpolar) fatty acid chains face inward, away from water. <br />3. Structure of phospholipid bilayer <br /> Two layers with heads facing external and internal aqueous environments; tails face each other inside. <br />4. Molecules that can move freely <br /> Small, nonpolar molecules (O₂, CO₂) and some small uncharged polar molecules (H₂O) diffuse freely; ions and large polar molecules need transport proteins.
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