Which of the following molecules has both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties and would be found in plasma membranes?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks which molecule has both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties and would be found in plasma membranes.
First, note that the provided options are missing from the data, so we cannot map any specific option (e.g., 'b. 5') to a described molecule. We can still reason about the general concept.
In biological membranes, the key amphipathic (both water-attracting and water-repelling) molecules are phospholipids. Their polar, hydrophilic head groups interact with aqueous environments on both sides of the membrane, while their nonpolar, hydrophobic tails face inward away from water, forming the bilayer structure.
Cholesterol is another amphipathic molecule present in membranes, with a small polar hydroxyl group (hydrophilic) and a largely hydrophobic steroid ring structure, contributing to membrane stability. However, when choosing the most representative molecule that is classically described as amphipathic and membrane-embedded, phospholipids are typically emphasized.
Because the options are not listed here, we cannot confirm which letter corresponds to phospholipids or to cholesterol. If the intended correct choice is the molecule class that forms the fundamental bilayer due to its amphipathic nature, phospholipids (e.g., phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine) are the standard answer. If an option describes cholesterol specifically, that is also accurate in terms of amphipathicity, though its role is more about membrane fluidity and structure rather than forming the bilayer itself.
In summary, amphipathic molecules in plasma membranes are phospholipids (and to a lesser extent cholesterol), with hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails enabling the bilayer arrangement that constitutes the membrane.

2025 T1 DP DPST1051 BLSC1342 Molecules, Cells & Genes

Which of the following molecules has both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties and would be found in plasma membranes?

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