Question

multiple choice question
the surfaces of an archaeal membrane, both internal to the cell and external, are ______.

○ hydrophobic
○ neutral
○ hydrophilic

Explanation:

Archaeal membranes have a structure where the surfaces (both internal and external) are hydrophilic. Archaeal membrane lipids (like isoprenoid chains) are arranged such that the polar (hydrophilic) parts face the aqueous environments (internal cell and external surroundings), while the non - polar parts are in the middle of the membrane. Hydrophobic regions are typically in the interior of the membrane, and the surfaces are not neutral in terms of their interaction with water. So the correct option is the one with hydrophilic.

Answer:

C. hydrophilic (assuming the options are labeled as A. hydrophobic, B. neutral, C. hydrophilic)