Multiple choice

Which of the following conditions is necessary for the formation of micelles?

Depending on the precise conditions and the nature of the lipids, three types of lipid aggregates can form when mixed with water. They are micelles, bilayer and liposome. Micelles are spherical structures that contain anywhere from a few dozen to a few thousand amphipathic molecule. These molecules are arranged with their hydrophobic regions aggregated in the interior where water is excluded and their hydrophilic head groups at the surface, in contact with water.

  1. When the cross-sectional area of the head group is greater than that of the acyl side chain.

  2. When the cross-sectional areas of the head group and the acyl side chains are similar.

  3. When the cross-sectional area of the head group is smaller than that of the acyl side chain.

  4. When the two dimensional bilayer folds on itself.

  5. None of these

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Yes, this results in the formation of micelles.