Plasma Membranes, the Key Boundary Layer of Cells, Are Composed

question 52

Multiple Choice

Plasma membranes, the key boundary layer of cells, are composed of amphipathic molecules called phospholipids. Why would neither purely hydrophilic nor purely hydrophobic molecules be a suitable molecule for plasma membranes?

• A) Hydrophilic molecules would dissolve in the aqueous environment in which cells live, disrupting the structural integrity of the cell.
• B) Hydrophobic molecules would dissolve in the aqueous environment in which cells live, disrupting the structural integrity of the cell, while hydrophilic molecules could not interact.
• C) Hydrophilic molecules would dissolve in the aqueous environment in which cells live, disrupting the structural integrity of the cell, and hydrophobic molecules would be unable to interact with the aqueous environment in which cells live.
• D) Hydrophobic molecules would be unable to interact with the aqueous environment in which cells live.
• E) Both hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules would dissolve in the aqueous environment in which cells live, disrupting the structural integrity of the cell.

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Having a sharply uneven surface or outline.

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