A Level Biology Practice Exam

What is the primary role of phospholipids in cells?

1. Energy storage

2. Cell membrane structure

3. Protein synthesis

4. Digestion of fats

The correct answer is: Cell membrane structure

Phospholipids play a crucial role in the structure of cell membranes. They are key components of the lipid bilayer that forms the cell membrane, providing the barrier that separates the interior of the cell from the external environment. This bilayer structure is fundamental for maintaining the integrity of the cell, allowing selective permeability which enables the cell to control the movement of substances in and out. The hydrophilic (water-attracting) heads of phospholipids face outward towards the aqueous environments inside and outside the cell, while the hydrophobic (water-repelling) tails face inward, away from water. This arrangement is essential for creating an effective barrier that supports various cellular processes, including communication and transport. While phospholipids are not directly involved in energy storage, protein synthesis, or digestion of fats, they do contribute indirectly to these processes by forming membranes that host proteins involved in these activities or facilitate the transport of lipids and other molecules necessary for metabolism.