Phospholipids

• What are the four main components of a phospholipid molecule?


  Two fatty acid chains, a glycerol molecule, a phosphate group, and a polar molecule
• How are the fatty acid chains bonded to the glycerol molecule in a phospholipid?


  They are bonded via ester bonds
• What role does the glycerol molecule play in a phospholipid?


  It serves as the backbone, connecting the fatty acid tails to the phosphate group
• What part of the phospholipid forms the hydrophilic "head"?


  The phosphate group and the polar molecule attached to it
• What types of polar molecules can be attached to the phosphate group in a phospholipid?


  Choline, ethanolamine, or serine
• How does the structure of phospholipids contribute to the formation of cell membranes?


  • Hydrophobic tails face each other, away from water
  • Hydrophilic heads face outward, interacting with water
  • Forms a bilayer structure, basis of cellular membranes
• What is the significance of the amphipathic nature of phospholipids?


  It allows them to self-assemble into a bilayer structure in aqueous environments
• How does the arrangement of phospholipids in a bilayer affect the cell membrane's function?


  It acts as a selective barrier, controlling what enters and exits the cell