Question

The polar end of the phospholipid plasma membrane is _____.

Answer 1

The right answer is hydrophilic.

Phospholipids are amphiphilic lipids which means that one side is hydrophilic (the glycerol phosphate portion) while the other side is hydrophobic (fatty acids). Thus, if placed in water, the phospholipids will be organized in such a way that only the hydrophilic zone will be in contact with the water. If they are forced to mix with this liquid, they will form a lipid bilayer in which the hydrophobic fatty acids face each other. The plasma membranes of cells and organelles are moreover constituted in this way.

Answer 2

Its hydrophillic because the polar heads attract water molecules.