A mutation in a cell reduces the polarity of the phosphate headgroup on membrane phospholipids. Predict and analyze two likely effects on membrane structure and function.

Reduced phosphate polarity would cause immediate crystallization of membranes into rigid cholesterol-like plaques that are then secreted from the cell unchanged.

Decreased head polarity would reduce interactions with water and peripheral proteins, potentially decreasing membrane stability, impairing formation of bilayers and reducing function of membrane-associated enzymes and transporters.

Decreased polarity would increase membrane water permeability and universally enhance function of all membrane-bound receptors due to improved lipid signaling rates.

The mutation would convert phospholipids into triglycerides, prompting cells to use membrane lipids as bulk energy stores with no consequences for transport or signaling.