Which part of the phospholipid is nonpolar?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the structure of a phospholipid, specifically which part of the molecule is nonpolar. It implies an understanding of the chemical properties and components of phospholipids, which consist of a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails.
Answer
The tails
The nonpolar part of a phospholipid is the tails.
Answer for screen readers
The nonpolar part of a phospholipid is the tails.
More Information
The tail region of a phospholipid is nonpolar as it consists of long fatty acid chains made up of carbon and hydrogen atoms, making it hydrophobic.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing the polar head, which is hydrophilic, with the nonpolar tail, which is hydrophobic.
Sources
- The web page with info on - Example Source - .nau.edu
- 3.5: Lipid Molecules - Phospholipids - Biology LibreTexts - bio.libretexts.org
- Which part of a phospholipid is charged, or polar? - Socratic - socratic.org
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