The Question is from neet-botany cell-biology introduction, and it was created by the author B VENKAT

Question

A biomembrane consists of lipids, proteins carbohydrates and water. These lipid molecules are

B VENKAT · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: B
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
	**Primary Concept**: Amphipathic Nature of Lipids
	**Related Topics**: Cell Membrane Structure, Hydrophobic/Hydrophilic Interactions
	**Prerequisites**: Basic Chemistry, Molecular Structure
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
	Biomembranes are composed of lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and water.
**Method & Steps**:
	1. **Analyze Lipid Structure**:  Lipids in biomembranes primarily consist of phospholipids.
		Reasoning: Phospholipids are the building blocks of cell membranes.
	2. **Identify Phospholipid Components**: A phospholipid molecule has a hydrophilic (water-loving) head and two hydrophobic (water-fearing) tails.
		Working: The head contains a phosphate group and is polar, while the tails are made of fatty acid chains and are nonpolar.
		Key Point:  This dual nature is crucial for membrane formation.
	3. **Define Amphipathic**: Molecules with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions are called amphipathic.
		Result:  Phospholipids, being both hydrophilic and hydrophobic, are amphipathic.
		Verification: This amphipathic nature allows them to form a bilayer in an aqueous environment, with the heads facing outwards towards the water and the tails facing inwards, away from the water.
## OPTION ANALYSIS
[A] :x: entirely hydrophobic, repelled by water: If lipids were entirely hydrophobic, they wouldn't interact with the aqueous environment inside and outside the cell, making membrane formation impossible.
[B] ✓: amphipathic, with both hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions: This is the correct answer, as explained above. The amphipathic nature is crucial for the formation and function of the biomembrane.
[C] :x: entirely hydrophilic, attracted to water: If lipids were entirely hydrophilic, they would dissolve in the water and wouldn't be able to form a stable membrane structure to separate the cell's interior from the exterior.
[D] :x: composed primarily of carbohydrates: Lipids are primarily composed of fatty acids and glycerol (in the case of phospholipids), not carbohydrates. While carbohydrates are present in the membrane, they are attached to lipids or proteins and are not the primary component of the lipid molecules themselves.
## LEARNING AIDS
	**Common Mistakes**:
		1. Confusing hydrophobic and hydrophilic: Remember that 'hydro-' refers to water, '-phobic' means fearing, and '-philic' means loving.
		2. Overlooking the importance of amphipathic nature: The dual nature of lipids is essential for their role in forming membranes.
	**Quick Tips**:
		1. Visualize the phospholipid structure: Imagine a head with two tails – the head loves water, the tails hate it.
		2. Remember the term 'amphipathic': It directly relates to the dual nature of these molecules.

B VENKAT · Answer

entirely hydrophobic, repelled by water

B VENKAT · Answer

The correct Option is "amphipathic, with both hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions"

B VENKAT · Answer

entirely hydrophilic, attracted to water

B VENKAT · Answer

composed primarily of carbohydrates

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