Question

These macromolecules are unique in that they are not composed of monomers, but instead resemble "hairpins" with fatty acid tails. This scientist is looking at _____. Please choose the correct answer from the following choices, and then select the submit answer button.

Answer 1

Answer:

Phopsholipids

Explanation:

• Phospholipids are macromolecules that are not composed of monomers, but instead, resemble hairpins with fatty acid tails.
• They are a class of lipids and are major components of the cell membrane bilayer.
• They are made up of fatty acids, glycerol backbone, and phosphate groups.
• The fatty acids tail are hydrophobic which means they are water-hating and do not associate themselves with polar molecules.
• The head of a phospholipid contain phosphate group that is hydrophilic meaning they associate with polar molecules such as water.

Answer 2

Answer:

The answer is phospholipids.

Explanation:

Phospholipids are lipids of which biological membranes are composed. A molecule of phospholipid is constituted by a phosphate group (which is polar, and can interact with water molecules) bonded to a glycerol molecule, which is bonded to two fatty acid chains (which are non polar molecules, and can interact each other). The phosphate group is the "hydrophilic head" and is located in the outer face of the membrane, whereas the fatty acids form the "hydrophobic tail" and it is in the inner face of the membrane, exposed to the aqueous environment. The structure resembles to a "hairpin": a head with a tail.