Optometry Admission Test (OAT) Practice

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What physical property does the phospholipid head possess?

Hydrophobic
Hydrophilic
Amphipathic
Nonpolar

The correct answer is: Hydrophilic

The phospholipid head possesses a hydrophilic property. This is because the head is composed of a glycerol molecule that is attached to a phosphate group, which is polar and attracts water molecules. Phospholipids play a crucial role in the formation of cellular membranes, where their hydrophilic heads face outward toward the aqueous environment, allowing for the formation of a bilayer. This arrangement ensures that the hydrophobic tails, which are nonpolar and repel water, are sheltered within the bilayer, contributing to the membrane's integrity and functionality. Understanding the hydrophilic nature of phospholipid heads is essential in the study of cell membranes and their interactions with various substances, influencing processes such as permeability and signaling.