Phosphoglycerides

Question 1

What is the backbone molecule of phosphoglycerides?

Answer 1

Glycerol

Glycerol serves as the structural foundation for phosphoglycerides, similar to triacylglycerides.

Question 2

How many fatty acids are attached to the glycerol backbone in phosphoglycerides?

Answer 2

Two fatty acids

The attachment occurs at the first and second carbons of the glycerol.

Question 3

What is attached to the third carbon of the glycerol in phosphoglycerides?

Answer 3

A polar group

This polar group can vary, including compounds like choline and serine.

Question 4

What is another name for the polar group in phosphoglycerides?

Answer 4

Head group

The head group is polar, allowing interaction with water.

Question 5

What are the nonpolar long carbon chains in phosphoglycerides referred to as?

Answer 5

Tails

The tails are extended and hydrophobic.

Question 6

What type of molecular structure do phosphoglycerides spontaneously form?

Answer 6

Membrane bilayers

The hydrophobic tails aggregate together while the polar head groups face outward.

Question 7

What is the orientation of the head groups in a membrane bilayer of phosphoglycerides?

Answer 7

Pointed out in both directions

This arrangement is crucial for membrane structure and function.

Question 8

In cartoons representing phosphoglycerides, what do they illustrate?

Answer 8

Formation of a membrane bilayer

These drawings help visualize many molecules and their arrangement in membranes.

Question 9

True or False: The tails of phosphoglycerides are polar.

Answer 9

False

The tails are nonpolar and hydrophobic.

Question 10

Fill in the blank: The long carbon chains in phosphoglycerides are _______.

Answer 10

nonpolar

Their nonpolar nature is essential for forming the membrane’s interior.