<< Chapter < Page | Chapter >> Page > |
Card 9 / 17:
Why do phospholipids tend to spontaneously orient themselves into something resembling a membrane?
The hydrophobic, nonpolar regions must align with each other in order for the structure to have minimal potential energy and, consequently, higher stability. The fatty acid tails of the phospholipids cannot mix with water, but the phosphate “head” of the molecule can. Thus, the head orients to water, and the tail to other lipids.
Previous Card | ← Previous Card Button |
Next Card | → Next Card Button |
Flip Card | ↑ / ↓ / Return / Space |
Notification Switch
Would you like to follow the 'Ucd bis2a intro to biology v1.2' conversation and receive update notifications?