Answer :
Answer:
Amphipathic molecules have regions that are hydrophobic (water-repellent) and regions that are hydrophilic (water-attracting).
Therefore, the correct answer is:
b. Have regions of the molecule that are hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions
Explanation:
1. Hydrophilic Region:
- This part of the molecule is attracted to water and other polar substances.
- It often contains polar or charged groups such as hydroxyl [tex](\(-OH\))[/tex], carboxyl [tex](\(-COOH\))[/tex], or amino [tex](\(-NH_2\))[/tex] groups.
- In an aqueous environment, the hydrophilic region interacts favorably with water molecules.
2. Hydrophobic Region:
- This part of the molecule repels water and prefers to interact with non-polar substances.
- It usually consists of long hydrocarbon chains or non-polar groups.
- In water, the hydrophobic regions tend to avoid contact with water molecules and may cluster together to minimize their exposure to water.
Biological Significance:
- Cell Membranes: Phospholipids are a prime example of amphipathic molecules. They form the lipid bilayer of cell membranes, with hydrophilic heads facing the aqueous environment on both sides of the membrane and hydrophobic tails facing each other inside the bilayer. This structure is essential for membrane integrity and function.
- Detergents: Amphipathic molecules can form micelles in water, where the hydrophobic tails aggregate in the center, away from water, and the hydrophilic heads face outward. This property allows detergents to emulsify oils and fats in water, making them useful for cleaning.
Example of an Amphipathic Molecule:
- Phospholipid: In a phospholipid, the phosphate-containing "head" is hydrophilic, while the fatty acid "tails" are hydrophobic. This allows phospholipids to form the structural basis of cell membranes.
In summary, amphipathic molecules are characterized by having both hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions, enabling them to interact with a diverse range of substances and play crucial roles in biological systems. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is:
b. Have regions of the molecule that are hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions.
Some molecules are amphipathic. This means that they (b). Have regions of the molecule that are hydrophobic and regions that are hydrophilic.
Phospholipids, a key component of cell membranes, illustrate this property with their hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails. This structural characteristic is essential for their biological functions. Amphipathic molecules have both a hydrophilic (water-loving) region and a hydrophobic (water-fearing) region.
A prime example is a phospholipid, which has a hydrophilic phosphate head and two hydrophobic fatty acid tails. This unique structure is crucial in forming cell membranes, allowing them to interact with water on both the inner and outer surfaces while keeping the interior of the membrane in a nonpolar environment.
