The tails of the phospholipids of the plasma membrane are composed of _____ and are _______?

• A. fatty acids and are hydrophobic
• B. nucleic acids and are hydrophobic
• C. carbohydrates and are hydrophilic
• D. amino acids and are hydrophilic

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the structure of a phospholipid: A phospholipid is composed of a glycerol backbone, two fatty acid tails, and a phosphate group head.
2. Identify the nature of the phospholipid tails: The tails are made of long chains of fatty acids.
3. Determine the chemical properties of fatty acids: Fatty acids are nonpolar molecules, which means they do not mix well with water.
4. Define hydrophobic: Hydrophobic substances are those that repel water or do not mix with water, often due to being nonpolar.
5. Conclude the characteristics of the phospholipid tails: Since the tails are composed of fatty acids and are nonpolar, they are hydrophobic.