Question

7/10 which of the following is a characteristic of sphingomyelin? it is only hydrophobic it is not involved in membranes it is only hydrophilic it has both hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts

Explanation:

Sphingomyelin is a type of sphingolipid and also a phospholipid. Phospholipids (and sphingomyelin, as a sphingophospholipid) have a hydrophilic head (containing the phosphate - containing group) and a hydrophobic tail (the fatty acid - like or hydrocarbon - like region).

• The option "It is only hydrophobic" is incorrect because sphingomyelin has a hydrophilic part.
• The option "It is not involved in membranes" is incorrect as sphingomyelin is an important component of cell membranes, especially in the myelin sheath of neurons.
• The option "It is only hydrophilic" is incorrect because it also has a hydrophobic region.
• The option "It has both hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts" is correct as it has a hydrophilic head group (e.g., the phosphorylcholine or phosphorylethanolamine group) and a hydrophobic tail (from the sphingosine - linked fatty acid).

Answer:

It has both hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts