Effects of Longer Hydrophobic Tails on Membrane Properties

Hard Biochemistry Lipids And Membranes

In the context of cellular membranes, lipids play an essential role in maintaining membrane fluidity and integrity. Phospholipids, the primary components of membranes, exhibit amphipathic properties due to their polar heads and nonpolar tails. This structural characteristic enables the formation of bilayers in an aqueous environment.

Consider a scenario where a particular type of phospholipid with a longer hydrophobic tail than the standard phospholipid is introduced into the membrane structure. How would this alteration affect the physical properties of the membrane compared to a membrane with standard phospholipids?

The membrane fluidity would increase significantly due to the longer hydrophobic tail.

The membrane would become more rigid and less permeable.

The membrane would enhance its self-healing properties.

The membrane would remain unaffected due to the buffering capacity of membrane proteins.

Hint

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