Question

Dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine is a surfactant found in the lining of the lungs. It prevents the lungs from collapsing when the lung volume is low andprotects the lungs from injuries caused by inhaled particles. Draw its structure

Short answer

DPPC is a pulmonary surfactant acts as an amphipathic liquid.This character allows it to form monolayers and liposomes when it contacts with polar solvent.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1: Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine as a surfactant

DPPC is a pulmonary surfactant acts as an amphipathic liquid.This character allows it to form monolayers and liposomes when it contacts with polar solvent.

Structure of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine

Structure consists of a hydrophobic tail- two palmitic acid group and hydrophilic head- phosphatidylcholine.