Overview
Phospholipids are essential components of cell membranes, characterized by their unique structure that includes two fatty acid tails and a phosphate group. This amphipathic nature allows them to form bilayers, which serve as barriers that regulate the movement of substances in and out of cells. Unde...
Key Terms
Example: Phospholipids are amphipathic molecules.
Example: The cell membrane is a phospholipid bilayer.
Example: The phosphate head of a phospholipid is hydrophilic.
Example: The fatty acid tails of phospholipids are hydrophobic.
Example: The fluid mosaic model explains how proteins float in the phospholipid bilayer.
Example: Phospholipids play a role in cell signaling pathways.
Related Topics
Lipids
Study of various types of lipids, their structures, and functions in biological systems.
intermediateCell Membranes
Exploration of the structure and function of cell membranes, including transport mechanisms.
intermediateCell Signaling
Understanding how cells communicate and respond to signals in their environment.
advancedKey Concepts
Amphipathic natureCell membrane structureRole in signalingBiological functions