Phospholipids

• What is the function of phospholipids?

  Phospholipids make up the bilayer of cell membranes.

  Cell membranes control what enters and leaves a cell
• How are phospholipids adapted to their functions?

  • Their HEADS ARE HYDROPHILIC and their tails are hydrophobic, so they form a double layer with their heads facing OUT towards the water on either side
  • The CENTRE OF THE BILAYER IS HYDROPHOBIC, so water-soluble substances can't easily pass through it- the membrane acts as a barrier to those substances