Assume that a single layer of phospholipids coat the water in a beaker. which part of the phospholipid molecule will face the air?
a. the phosphate groups
b. the hydrocarbon tails
c. the phospholipids would dissolve and not form a membrane coat
d. both heads and tails as the molecules are amphipathic and will lie sideways

The correct answer is-

b.the hydrocarbon tails.

A phospholipid molecule comprises of a head group (that contains polar phosphate molecule) that is hydrophilic ( water attracting groups due to formation of hydrogen bonding or ionic bonds with water molecules) and two tails of fatty acid ( which are hydrophobic that is water repelling groups).

In this question, a single layer of phospholipid coats the water in a beaker. This means that head group of this layer is in contact of water ( present in the beaker) and the two fatty acid tails of hydrocarbon ( that are water repelling) are facing air.

Thus, option b) is the right answer.

explanation:

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