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nmdcat.online June 27, 2026

In the structure of a cell membrane, the orientation of phospholipids with their hydrophobic tails inward and hydrophilic heads outward is a spontaneous process driven by the

A. Action of specific membrane-insertion enzymes
B. Formation of covalent bonds between lipid tails
C. Requirement of energy input in the form of ATP
D. Thermodynamic drive to shield hydrophobic regions from water
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📝 Explanation

This self-assembly is an entropically driven process. When phospholipids are mixed with water, they spontaneously arrange into bilayers or micelles to bury their hydrophobic fatty acid tails away from water, while the polar head groups interface with the aqueous environment.

📖 Additional Information

  • Action of specific membrane-insertion enzymes
  • Formation of covalent bonds between lipid tails
  • Requirement of energy input in the form of ATP
  • Thermodynamic drive to shield hydrophobic regions from water

This self-assembly is an entropically driven process. When phospholipids are mixed with water, they spontaneously arrange into bilayers or micelles to bury their hydrophobic fatty acid tails away from water, while the polar head groups interface with the aqueous environment.

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