Chapter 11, Problem 10Q

A.

Summary Introduction

To explain: What would happen if phospholipids will have only one hydrocarbon tail instead of two.

Introduction: Lipid bilayer is the basic structure of the plasma membrane composed of with two leaflets of amphipathic lipid molecules. Its polar head group is called as the hydrophilic unit that is in contact with the aqueous medium, whereas the non-polar tails are called as hydrophobic unit and point toward the interior of the membrane. Changes in any particular properties of a lipid bilayer also bring changes in its structure.

B.

Summary Introduction

To explain: The changes in a lipid bilayer when hydrocarbon chain will be shorter than normal.

Introduction: Lipid bilayer is the basic structure of the plasma membrane composed of with two leaflets of amphipathic lipid molecules. Its polar head group is called as the hydrophilic unit that is in contact with the aqueous medium, whereas the non-polar tails are called as hydrophobic unit and point toward the interior of the membrane. Changes in any particular properties of a lipid bilayer also bring changes in its structure.

C.

Summary Introduction

To explain: The changes in a lipid bilayer when all the hydrocarbon tails are saturated.

Introduction: Lipid bilayer is the basic structure of the plasma membrane composed of with two leaflets of amphipathic lipid molecules. Its polar head group is called as the hydrophilic unit that is in contact with the aqueous medium, whereas the non-polar tails are called as hydrophobic unit and point toward the interior of the membrane. Changes in any particular properties of a lipid bilayer also bring changes in its structure.

D.

Summary Introduction

To explain: The changes in a lipid bilayer when all the hydrocarbon tails are unsaturated.

Introduction: Lipid bilayer is the basic structure of the plasma membrane composed of with two leaflets of amphipathic lipid molecules. Its polar head group is called as the hydrophilic unit that is in contact with the aqueous medium, whereas the non-polar tails are called as hydrophobic unit and point toward the interior of the membrane. Changes in any particular properties of a lipid bilayer also bring changes in its structure.

E.

Summary Introduction

To explain: The changes in a lipid bilayer when phospholipid molecules having two saturated and two unsaturated hydrocarbon tails.

Introduction: Lipid bilayer is the basic structure of the plasma membrane composed of with two leaflets of amphipathic lipid molecules. Its polar head group is called as the hydrophilic unit that is in contact with the aqueous medium, whereas the non-polar tails are called as hydrophobic unit and point toward the interior of the membrane. Changes in any particular properties of a lipid bilayer also bring changes in its structure.

F.

Summary Introduction

To explain: The changes in a lipid bilayer when each phospholipid molecule is linked to a phospholipid tail in the opposite monolayer through the end carbon atom of one of its hydrocarbon tails.

Introduction: Lipid bilayer is the basic structure of the plasma membrane composed of with two leaflets of amphipathic lipid molecules. Its polar head group is called as the hydrophilic unit that is in contact with the aqueous medium, whereas the non-polar tails are called as hydrophobic unit and point toward the interior of the membrane. Changes in any particular properties of a lipid bilayer also bring changes in its structure.