What makes cholesterol an amphipathic molecule?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking us to identify the reason why cholesterol is classified as an amphipathic molecule, which means it has both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) characteristics. Specifically, we need to evaluate the options provided to determine which feature of cholesterol contributes to its amphipathic nature.
Answer
Cholesterol's amphipathic nature is due to its hydrophilic hydroxyl group and hydrophobic steroid ring.
Cholesterol is amphipathic because it has a hydrophilic hydroxyl group (-OH) and a hydrophobic bulky steroid ring structure.
Answer for screen readers
Cholesterol is amphipathic because it has a hydrophilic hydroxyl group (-OH) and a hydrophobic bulky steroid ring structure.
More Information
Being amphipathic allows cholesterol to interact with both water and lipids, playing a crucial role in cell membrane structure and stability.
Tips
A common mistake is thinking that only polar molecules like water are amphipathic. Amphipathic molecules contain both hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts.
Sources
- Amphipathic - Definition and Examples - Biology Online Dictionary - biologyonline.com
- Cholesterol | BioNinja - old-ib.bioninja.com.au
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