Chapter 24, Problem 110A

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Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The cause for the spontaneous formation of the lipid bilayer needs formation to be interpreted.

Concept introduction: Phospholipids are present abundantly in cells. They are the molecules that contain phosphate groups.

Answer to Problem 110A

Phospholipids are responsible for the spontaneous formation of the lipid bilayer.

Explanation of Solution

A phospholipid is a molecule that is comprised of the phosphate group. It consists of two parts a head and a tail.

The head is hydrophilic i.e., water-loving in nature while the tail is hydrophobic i.e., water-hating. As per the solubility rule, which says like dissolves like, so when a phospholipid reacts with water, it leads to the spontaneous formation of the lipid bilayer. In this process, the hydrophilic part is drawn to the water and gets dissolved while the hydrophobic part remains insoluble.

In the double layer, the hydrophobic tails of a phospholipid are installed between two layers of hydrophilic heads.

Conclusion

Phospholipids are responsible for the spontaneous formation of the lipid bilayer.