key term - Phospholipid

Definition

Phospholipids are a class of lipids that are a major component of all cell membranes as they can form lipid bilayers. They consist of two fatty acids, a glycerol unit, and a phosphate group, which gives them both hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties.

Related terms

Lipid bilayer: A thin polar membrane made of two layers of lipid molecules; these layers are composed primarily of phospholipids, which provide barriers in cellular membranes to protect cells.

Hydrophilic:

Refers to molecules or parts of molecules that are attracted to water and can dissolve in it, such as the phosphate head group of a phospholipid.

Hydrophobic:

Describes molecules or portions of molecules that repel water and do not easily dissolve in it, like the fatty acid tails found in phospholipids.